Sh*ckwaves In Plateau: Governor Caleb Mutfwang Poised To Dump PDP For APC

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, is reportedly on the verge of defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), according to sources close to the government house.

Mutfwang, who emerged as governor under the PDP after a prolonged legal battle over the 2024 governorship election, is said to be finalising arrangements to join the ruling party.

Insiders who spoke with The Guardian disclosed that while the defection has not been officially announced, plans for the move are already well advanced.

When asked whether the governor had engaged in wide consultations with stakeholders—including PDP leaders and constituents—sources revealed that Mutfwang admitted to keeping the matter within a small circle. He reportedly discussed the issue primarily with his mentor, former Governor Jonah Jang, and a few trusted allies.

It remains unclear how Jang reacted to the planned defection. Some insiders suggest that the former governor voiced reservations, warning Mutfwang that success might not be guaranteed in a new party. Others, however, claim Jang eventually gave his blessing, albeit cautiously, out of respect for Mutfwang’s political autonomy.

A source noted, “Parties like the ANPP, CPC, and AD once rivaled the PDP but have since disappeared. The PDP remains resilient because of its internal mechanisms for resolving disputes.”

Meanwhile, news of Mutfwang’s impending move has already triggered tensions within the Plateau APC, particularly among members loyal to former Governor Simon Lalong. This faction, which aligns with APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has reportedly expressed unease over the governor’s possible defection.

When questioned on how he intends to justify his defection, Mutfwang reportedly said that President Bola Tinubu personally invited him to collaborate at the national level for the good of Plateau State. He cited national interest as the driving reason behind his decision.

However, the development has not gone down well with all his supporters. Some of his loyalists view the move as a betrayal of their shared struggle during the 2023 election. They allege that former Governor Joshua Dariye and APC State Chairman Rufus Bature, with possible backing from the Vice President, have been instrumental in brokering Mutfwang’s entry into the APC.

Sources further revealed that a number of PDP loyalists are preparing to resist the defection, fearing it could destabilise the APC’s internal structure and leadership balance. They argue that Mutfwang’s move is driven by a minority faction within the party, particularly his reported consultations with Mr. Yari Kumchi, a highly influential figure in Plateau politics whose opinion is said to carry significant weight.

In a heated moment during a private meeting, one PDP loyalist was quoted as confronting Mutfwang directly: “Why would you betray those who prayed and fought for your victory in 2023, including those who are no longer alive?”

According to sources, the governor had no immediate response—leaving many of his supporters disheartened and divided over his next political move.