The defection of Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged as the most defining political event in Plateau State in 2025, fundamentally reshaping the state’s political trajectory and redrawing lines of power ahead of future elections.
The move, announced at a high-level APC National Caucus meeting in Abuja, has altered long-held assumptions about party dominance in the state.
The announcement was made by Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the APC, during the party’s 14th National Caucus meeting held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja in December. Yilwatda, a Plateau indigene, described the governor’s decision as a strategic boost to the ruling party’s influence in the North-Central geopolitical zone.
“With the defection of Governor Mutfwang, the entire North-Central region is now governed by the APC,” Yilwatda said, a statement that underscored the broader regional implications of the development.
I joined the APC in the overall interest of Plateau, says Muffwang
Meanwhile, Mutfwang has said that he joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the overall interest of the state, revealing that President Bola Tinubu personally invited him to decamp from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.
Mutfwang reiterated that after months of consultations and personal introspection, he had to make the move in the interest of the state.
The governor said he did not make the move for personal gain but as a form of respect to Tinubu, who has shown a special interest in Plateau State and its challenges.
He added that, though the President had extended the invitation to him to join the APC on several occasions, he had politely declined until it became very obvious that the PDP is enmeshed in serious chaos at the national level.
“I pay my respects to President Tinubu for honouring our earlier decisions not to move to the APC and still maintaining a cordial relationship with us despite that,” he said.
He noted that there had also been the beckoning of highly placed personalities, including fellow governors from the APC, too, but the whole time, he stood by his decision.
He, however, stated that what finally changed his mind was the challenges and chaos in the PDP at the national level.
“Until recently, when it became clear that the PDP at the national level has undeniable problems with its structure, the need to decamp to another party was already quieted. We have zero challenges at the state level, but all our efforts are in vain without a solid structure at the national level.
“The risks involved in staying back in the PDP are too high for us to carelessly gamble with the mandate Plateau people gave us. No one can tell reassuringly when and how the crisis will end, or what wins or losses could be incurred.
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“Bearing in mind the emotional torture our dear people went through, we can’t, by our actions or inactions, subject ourselves to another experience like that,” he observed.
The governor explained that he could have easily moved to another party, but that history had taught him that it is one thing to be voted massively, and another to make sure the votes count.
His declaration signalled not just a party victory, but a consolidation of political control that could influence national calculations beyond Plateau State.
For Plateau, the defection represents a historic turning point. Governor Mutfwang was elected on the platform of the PDP, a party that has traditionally enjoyed strong grassroots support across many parts of the state.
His decision to cross over to the APC has therefore unsettled the political establishment, triggered debates among party faithful, and set the stage for a realignment that will likely define politics throughout 2025 till 2027 general elections
Political observers say the development did not come entirely as a surprise. For more than a year, rumours had circulated that the governor was weighing a move to the APC. His increasing interaction with federal authorities and his visible participation in national initiatives fueled speculation that Plateau was being repositioned to align more closely with the centre.
Earlier media analyses by BusinessDay had also pointed to actions and signals that suggested an impending political shift. These included strategic alliances, public body language, and policy coordination that analysts said were inconsistent with an opposition posture. When the defection was finally announced, many political actors described it as the climax of a carefully managed transition rather than a sudden political gamble.
Beyond party politics, the governor’s move has been framed by supporters as a governance-driven decision. They argue that being part of the ruling party offers Plateau State a stronger bargaining position for federal projects, appointments, and security collaboration.
In a state grappling with development challenges and security concerns, this argument has resonated with a segment of the political class.
However, critics have described the defection as another example of elite-driven politics that weakens ideological commitment and leaves voters confused.
Reacting to the development in a telephone chat with BusinessDay in Jos, John Akans, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Party Relations, provided clarity on the rationale behind the decision. Akans said the decamping was not a unilateral action by Governor Mutfwang, but the outcome of wide consultations with stakeholders across Plateau State.
According to him, party leaders, political allies, and grassroots actors were fully engaged in discussions before the final decision was taken. He emphasised that the governor ensured that key interests were carried along, describing the move as a collective decision rather than a personal choice.
Akans noted that the defection reflects the shared view of stakeholders who believe that aligning with the APC will better position Plateau State politically and economically.
He said the decision was driven by the need to deepen political inclusion, attract greater federal presence, and fast-track development initiatives across the state.
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He further described the defection as a “movement” rather than a mere change of party platform. According to Akans, the move represents a broader political realignment aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring that Plateau State is not marginalised in national political calculations as the country moves deeper into the 2025 political season.
“The decision to decamp was not taken unilaterally by Governor Caleb Mutfwang; it was the outcome of wide consultations with critical stakeholders across Plateau State. Party leaders, political allies, and grassroots actors were fully engaged in the discussions, and the governor ensured that all key interests were carried along before the final decision was reached.
“This move reflects the collective will of stakeholders who believe that aligning with the APC will better position Plateau State politically and economically. It is not just a change of party platform, but a movement aimed at deepening political inclusion, attracting greater federal presence, and ensuring that Plateau State is not marginalised in national political calculations as we approach 2026,”. Akans told BusinessDay in a telephone chat.
Also reacting to the development, the state chapter of the APC welcomed the defection of Governor Mutfwang from the PDP, pledging to support him to succeed in his new political journey.
Shittu Bamayi, the party’s Publicity Secretary in the state, stated this recently in Jos.
Bamaiyi described the APC as a non-discriminatory party open to all eligible Nigerians, including the governor. “People must understand that joining a political party is the right of every citizen of Nigeria.”
He urged critics to respect the governor’s decision, saying, “While some people have the right to be annoyed, others also have the right to be happy.”
Describing Mutfwang’s defection as a boost to the party, Bamayi said, “Whether you like it or not, our number in APC has increased”
He expressed confidence in the governor’s ability to lead, saying, “The governor is not new to party politics. He has been in a political party, and as such, he knows what to do. We expect that he is going to carry everyone along. So, he is welcome to the APC. We are going to give him the needed support.
As reactions continue to trail the governor’s defection, one thing is clear: Mutfwang’s move has set the tone for Plateau politics ahead of 2026 campaign year and the 2027 general elections. It has triggered new alliances, weakened old loyalties, and redefined the balance of power in the state.
Whether it ultimately translates into electoral advantage or governance gains remains to be seen, but its status as Plateau’s most consequential political event of the year is already firmly established.
