Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a strategic realignment aimed at uniting the state and positioning it to fully benefit from the centre.
The governor was formally received into the ruling party today 27th January 2026 at a high-profile ceremony attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s represented by the Vice President, governors, leaders of the National Assembly, and top APC officials, where he was presented with the party’s flag and broom, symbolising his full integration into the APC.
Speaking shortly after receiving the party’s insignia, Governor Mutfwang said his decision was driven by the need to secure peace, unity and development for Plateau State, while pledging total political support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Our movement to the APC today signifies that the President can rely on the North Central for votes in 2027. Plateau, as you know, has always been a big brother to many people groups in Northern Nigeria,” Mutfwang said.
“We are not defecting; we are realigning, re-engineering, and strategically positioning Plateau to reap the dividends of democracy.”
The governor stressed that joining the ruling party would help end years of political rivalry in the state, assuring APC members that he had not come to displace existing structures but to strengthen them.
“We have not come to take over. We have come to add value, to make the party stronger, and to ensure that all wastages of political rivalry on the Plateau stop from today,” he said.
Shettima Praises Plateau’s Legacy, Announces Federal Projects
Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima described Plateau State as a land of unity and national significance, noting its historical contributions to Nigeria’s leadership and cohesion.
“Plateau is a reminder that what powers every nation is unity — a unity rooted in shared purpose,” Shettima said, recalling the role of Plateau leaders in national reconciliation and peace building.
He praised Governor Mutfwang as a bridge-builder committed to dialogue, peace and inclusive development, saying the APC was strengthened by his entry.
“In Governor Mutfwang, we see a leader committed to dialogue over division and hope over hatred. His leadership is anchored on genuine service to the people,” the Vice President stated.
Shettima announced key federal interventions for the state, including the recruitment of 1,000 Plateau youths as forest guards, the rollout of livestock development projects, and the mobilisation of contractors for the Aqua Guards project, assuring residents that more federal support was imminent.
“The dividends will start flowing in the next three weeks. This is just the tip of the iceberg,” he added.
APC Chairman: ‘Plateau Is Now United’
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who described himself as both a son of Plateau and party leader, said Governor Mutfwang’s defection had effectively collapsed opposition structures in the state.
“The structures of PDP, Labour Party, PRP and NNPP have all collapsed into one political party. Today, Plateau is stronger, more united and more prepared,” Yilwatda declared.
He assured the governor of the party’s full backing ahead of the next general elections.
“Come 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win Plateau overwhelmingly, and Governor Caleb Mutfwang will return to Government House,” he said.
Akpabio Links Defection to Peace, IDP Return
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, described Governor Mutfwang as the “newest bride of the APC,” saying the move would accelerate peace, reconciliation and development in Plateau State.
“You told me you could not save your people from opposition. You wanted to reconnect Plateau to the centre so you can bring more dividends of democracy. Today, your prayers are answered,” Akpabio said.
He assured that the National Assembly would support initiatives aimed at closing IDP camps and restoring displaced communities.
“With this movement today, unity has returned to Plateau. IDPs will return to their homes, and peace must return to the Plateau,” he said.
APC Leaders Hail ‘Historic Moment’
In his welcome remarks, Plateau APC Chairman, Hon. Rufus Bature, described Mutfwang’s entry into the party as a turning point for the state, declaring that the APC was now a “tent of possibilities.”
“Today we welcome His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, to the APC. We have accepted him, and we will do everything possible to make the government of Plateau State work,” Bature said.
Chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum and Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, said the governor made the right decision, noting that the entire North Central region was now politically aligned with the APC.
“Today, North Central is complete. Plateau, Kogi, Niger, Benue and Kwara are all APC. By the grace of God, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win easily here on the Plateau,” Sule stated.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, described the APC as a family built on renewed hope, prosperity and unity.
“APC is a family that is strong, bold and courageous. Today, the hopes of the people of Plateau State are renewed,” Uzodimma said.
North Central ‘Now Complete’ — Abbas
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, said Mutfwang’s defection marked the completion of APC dominance in the North Central zone and would foster unity in Plateau State.
“This joining of APC signifies that North Central is totally complete. It also means that 2027 for Mr President and our other candidates is assured,” Abbas said.
“This move will bring unity to Plateau State, where people will speak with one language, and that language is APC.”
He urged the governor to prioritize reconciliation within the party and lead with inclusiveness.
“Embrace reconciliation. Be a father to all of us and give everyone a sense of belonging,” he added.
The ceremony ended with party leaders and supporters celebrating what APC leaders described as the political unification of Plateau State and a major boost to the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.