In a major political development in Plateau State, Dr. Haggai Gutap has officially decamped to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). His defection was marked by a large rally held in Kereng, Mangu Local Government Area, on Sunday, September 29, 2024.
Dr. Haggai Gutap, who currently serves as the Technical Head of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) program, was previously the pioneer Director General of the Plateau Small Scale and Medium Enterprises Development Agency under the former Simon Lalong-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd that gathered to celebrate his move, Dr. Gutap explained that his decision to join the PDP was driven by his admiration for the progress made under the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang. He emphasized that his switch to the PDP was not based on ethnic or local ties but on the impressive developmental strides the new administration has achieved across Plateau State.
“I am not following Governor Mutfwang because he is a Mwaghavul man or because he is from Mangu Local Government. I am following him because of the capacity he has demonstrated within his short time in office,” Gutap stated. “We have seen significant progress in areas such as human capital development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture. The transformation we are witnessing in Plateau State is remarkable, and I have no choice but to align myself with this team working to reposition the state.”
Gutap urged the people of Plateau State, particularly those in his constituency, to support Governor Mutfwang’s administration, which he described as having surpassed expectations within its first year. He added that his move to the PDP was accompanied by a large number of grassroots supporters who had also decided to join and back the party.
Representing Governor Mutfwang at the event, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barr. Philemon Audu Daffi, praised Dr. Gutap’s decision, noting that it reflected the growing support for the governor’s leadership. Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender, Barr. (Mrs.) Olivia Dazyam, also commended the move, calling it a step towards advancing the state’s development.
Dr. Gutap was welcomed into the PDP by the party’s Mangu Local Government Chairman, as well as district, ward, and unit leaders. In addition to Gutap, eight other APC leaders from Kereng and thousands of their followers officially joined the PDP during the rally, further bolstering the party’s ranks ahead of the September 9th Local Government Council Elections and other future political engagements.
