Jos, Plateau State, January 27, 2026 – Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, has declared that Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang's formal defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) will significantly strengthen both the state and the ruling party. The statement came during a grand reception ceremony held on Tuesday at the Jos Polo Field, where top APC leaders welcomed the governor and his supporters into the fold.
Governor Mutfwang, who had resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on December 29, 2025, and initially aligned with the APC on January 2, 2026, received the party's flag and broom in a high-profile event attended by national figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and several APC governors. The ceremony marked the culmination of months of consultations and political realignment, positioning Plateau as a key stronghold for the APC in the North-Central region.
Shettima described Mutfwang's decision as a demonstration of unity, progress, and collaboration. He emphasized that the move would enable closer alignment between the Plateau State Government and the federal administration, accelerating development initiatives and fostering inclusive growth. Highlighting Plateau's historical role in promoting national cohesion, the vice president referenced the state's legacy of leaders like former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon and politicians such as Solomon Lar and Fidelis Tapgun, who championed dialogue and consensus-building.
The vice president commended former Governor Simon Bako Lalong, now Senator representing Plateau South, for his exceptional leadership in nurturing the APC in the state. Shettima praised Lalong's humility, wisdom, and political maturity, particularly his decision to hand over party leadership to Mutfwang in accordance with the APC constitution. "Senator Lalong nurtured the party with purpose and dedication, making it acceptable in Plateau and attractive to politicians from other parties," Shettima said, noting that Lalong's actions had laid a solid foundation for the party's expansion.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed similar sentiments, welcoming Mutfwang into the APC and expressing optimism that the development would usher in lasting peace, progress, and poverty reduction in Plateau State. He paid tribute to Lalong's instrumental role in establishing a firm footing for the party, describing him as a bridge-builder who prioritized collective advancement over personal interests.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas described the defection as a welcome and timely development, urging APC members to unite and resist divisive tendencies. He assured continued support from the National Assembly for policies and projects that benefit Plateau residents, emphasizing collaborative governance across tiers.
APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, a Plateau indigene and Mutfwang's opponent in the 2023 governorship election, formally received the governor into the party. He expressed pleasure at the reconciliation and renewed unity, expressing confidence that it would translate into rapid development for the state and massive electoral support for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. Yilwatda declared Mutfwang the undisputed APC leader in Plateau, tasked with spearheading mobilization efforts, including e-membership registration drives.
In his acceptance speech after receiving the APC flag, Governor Mutfwang thanked President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, the national leadership, Senator Lalong, and other stakeholders for their acceptance. He clarified that his defection was not aimed at taking over the party structure but at adding value through collaborative work. "My decision to join the APC was not to take over the party but to add value and work collaboratively with stakeholders," Mutfwang stated. He reiterated his commitment to the APC's success and President Tinubu's re-election in 2027, pledging that Plateau would deliver overwhelming support.
Mutfwang paid special tribute to Lalong for relinquishing leadership without rancor, calling it a rare display of courage, wisdom, and humility. He described his move as a "journey of faith" driven by consultations and a desire to reposition Plateau for sustainable progress, aligning the state more effectively with federal initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The event, which drew thousands of supporters, commissioners, lawmakers, local government chairmen, and defecting PDP stalwarts—including the governor's deputy Josephine Piyo—signaled a major shift in Plateau's political landscape. Mutfwang's administration, now fully APC-aligned, is expected to benefit from enhanced federal cooperation on infrastructure, security, and economic programs. Shettima announced upcoming federal interventions, including the commencement of the Jos-Akwanga Road project within weeks, the engagement of 1,000 youths as forest guards to bolster security, and Plateau's designation as a pilot state for the national livestock development program.
Political analysts view the defection and reception as a strategic consolidation for the APC ahead of 2027, potentially reshaping dynamics in the North-Central zone and strengthening the party's national footprint. With Mutfwang now at the helm of the state APC, the focus shifts to translating unity into tangible dividends for residents grappling with security challenges, infrastructure deficits, and economic pressures.
The ceremony underscored the APC's emphasis on inclusivity and reconciliation, with leaders repeatedly stressing that the party remains open to all committed to national progress. As Plateau embraces this new chapter, expectations are high for accelerated development and deeper federal-state synergy under the Tinubu administration.
