JOS, Nigeria — The political landscape of the North Central region has been fundamentally reshaped as the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, officially tendered his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a formal letter dated December 30, 2025, and addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Ampang West, Mangu Local Government Area, the Governor stated that his decision was guided by the “realities of the moment” and a commitment to delivering service to the people of Plateau.
A Strategic Shift for the North Central
The move, which was officially confirmed by APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, marks a historic milestone for the ruling party. With Mutfwang’s defection, the APC now controls every governorship in the North Central geopolitical zone.
Key reasons cited for the defection include:
- Federal Alignment: The Governor’s advisers emphasized that aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s administration is the “safest option” to attract federal projects and address the persistent security challenges in Plateau State.
- Internal PDP Crisis: Mutfwang’s exit follows a “terminal decline” and internal instability within the PDP, which has seen several governors—including those of Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Enugu—leave the party over the past year.
- Service Delivery: The Governor noted that an alternative platform was necessary to pursue his vision for impactful leadership without the distractions of opposition infighting.
Mixed Reactions in Jos
While APC supporters celebrated the move at a rally in Jos, describing it as a “win-win” for the state’s development, opposition voices have expressed disappointment. The PDP leadership in the state has yet to issue a formal rebuttal, though party loyalists have called the move an act of political survival rather than ideological conviction.
The defection is expected to have significant implications for the 2027 general elections, as the APC consolidates its hold on the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”
