Jos, Plateau State – The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State has unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, amid political drama over Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s potential entry into the party.
It is speculated that the APC leadership in Plateau State is concern that, given recent nationwide defections by some state governors, including notable examples such as Governors of Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno and Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, Mutfwang may also be considering similar actions, prompting the preemptive motion against his acceptance.
The endorsement came during a high-profile stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, attended by APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, former Governor and state party leader Senator Simon Bako Lalong, former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase, former Governor Joshua Dariye, former Minister Dame Pauline Tallen, MD/CEO of the North Central Development Commission Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, serving and former members of the State and National Assembly, and hundreds of party faithful.
At the meeting, former Deputy National Secretary of the APC, Barr. Festus Fuanter, moved the motion to endorse President Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 elections. The motion was seconded by state APC woman leader Hon. Alice Dimlong and overwhelmingly supported by attendees.
In a dramatic twist, Fuanter also moved a motion against accepting Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang into the APC—a motion that was likewise unanimously approved, signaling the party’s firm stance on maintaining its current leadership composition.
Senator Lalong, leader of the Plateau APC, welcomed the decision, praising President Tinubu for his achievements and inclusion of Plateau State in his administration, particularly his appointment of Lalong as the campaign DG in 2023. He also described the appointment of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as APC National Chairman as a “great blessing” that would unlock access and development for Plateau people.
Lalong further stated that Plateau APC is united, with previous defections resolved and members from various political parties, including those from the ruling party in the state, returning to APC.
National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda thanked party members for their endorsement of President Tinubu, citing the President’s efforts in reviving the economy and setting the nation on a path of progress. He also expressed appreciation for the support he received during the recent burial of his mother and reassured new members that they would enjoy full privileges within the party.
Prof. Yilwatda revealed plans for an empowerment initiative targeting youths, women, and other special groups, alongside a 100 million naira youth business challenge to be unveiled next week. He announced that October 30, 2025, has been set for the official reception of decampees, to be witnessed by Vice President Kashim Shettima and chaired by Arch. P.D. Gyang of the APC Elders Committee.
State APC Chairman Hon. Rufus Bature, former Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Idris Wase, and Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Daniel Naanlong Gapyil all emphasized unity, collaboration, and the need to avoid divisive tendencies within the party. Former Minister Dame Pauline Tallen also praised the strengthening unity of the APC in the state.
Despite the party’s firm stance, insiders revealed that some APC stalwarts have made overtures to Governor Mutfwang, encouraging him to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for APC, fearing a potential electoral setback if he maintains influence over Plateau voters. The governor, however, has remained steadfast, asserting that his political path is divinely guided and anchored in the will of Plateau people.
However before the APC gathering, Governor Mutfwang held a PDP stakeholders’ session in Jos, reaffirming his loyalty to the party and dismissing defection rumors as political gossip, while reiterating his focus on delivering good governance and strengthening PDP’s grassroots presence.
Political analysts suggest that Plateau remains a key battleground as the nation gears up for the 2027 elections, with the recent APC decisions setting the tone for intense political maneuvering in the state.