Speculation surrounding a possible defection of Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified following the viral circulation of APC-branded shirts and caps on social media. Although the governor has not commented publicly, political stakeholders across the state remain sharply divided—some warning that the move would be destabilizing, others insisting it would consolidate APC’s strength ahead of the 2027 elections.
The rumour comes amid renewed momentum within the Plateau APC under its new National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe. His leadership has been credited with reviving the party, enforcing internal discipline, and attracting new members across political blocs. Within six months, the APC has reclaimed much of its political structure: all but one National Assembly member from the state are now in the party, alongside 22 of 24 members of the State House of Assembly. Even key allies of Governor Mutfwang—his campaign Director General, ward chairman, and several aides—have defected from the PDP to the APC.
These developments have triggered a central debate: What political value would Governor Mutfwang bring to the APC if he defects—and would the party accept him?
Mixed Reactions as Political Interest Groups Take Sides
PYPC: “APC Needs Mutfwang More Than the Rumour Suggests”
A political accountability group, the Plateau Youths for Progressive Change (PYPC), argued that recent defections from the PDP amount to little without the governor himself joining the APC.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Ezra Yakubu, the group said the defections were “meaningless,” insisting that a sitting governor remains crucial to the APC’s ambition to reclaim Plateau in 2027. Yakubu criticized Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda’s assertion that the APC had already positioned itself to win in 2027, describing the comment as “derogatory.” He urged those purportedly blocking the governor’s entry to “rethink,” saying Mutfwang remains a “strategic asset” despite internal political rifts.
Immediate Past Elected Councillors: “Mutfwang Must Not Be Admitted”
Meanwhile, resistance to the governor’s rumoured defection is growing among other stakeholders. The Immediate Past Elected Councillors Forum of Plateau State held a press conference in Jos rejecting what they called the governor’s “desperate attempt” to join the APC.
Spokesperson Dabit John Dashe faulted the governor’s leadership record and recalled his past remarks dismissing the APC’s presence in the state. He accused Mutfwang of poor governance, citing:
the disengagement of more than 4,000 employed youths,
alleged disregard for Supreme Court judgments,
the removal of elected chairmen and councillors across all 17 LGAs, and
worsening economic and infrastructural conditions.
The forum insisted these actions render Mutfwang unfit for a party they describe as “progressive and reform-driven.”
The Unanswered Question
For now, one question remains: If Governor Mutfwang truly seeks to join the APC, will the party open its doors—or shut them firmly?
In a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of his Ampang West Ward, Dasjak Sunday Longyol, and dated December 29, 2025, the governor cited the need for an alternative political platform to better serve the state as the reason for quitting the party.
The letter, obtained by our correspondent in Jos, the state capital, on Thursday, expressed the governor’s gratitude to the party for providing him a platform to participate in the democratic process.
Mutfwang explained that his decision was guided by his commitment to purposeful leadership, clarity of direction, and service delivery.
The letter, which Mutfwang personally signed, read, “I write to formally notify you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect.
“I sincerely appreciate the PDP for providing me the political platform to participate in the democratic process.
“I appreciate the support of party leaders, members, and supporters at all levels during my time in the party, and I remain grateful for the trust reposed in me.
“Given the realities of the moment, and guided by my commitment to purposeful leadership, clarity of direction, and service delivery, I am compelled to seek an alternative political platform.
“Please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”
However, the letter did not disclose which party the governor had joined.
The governor’s resignation comes after months of speculation, with Mutfwang reportedly joining the All Progressives Congress.
The National Working Committee of the APC has welcomed him, with party officials pledging support for his new political journey.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has formally bid farewell to 200 Plateau indigenes selected for state-sponsored scholarships to study at Sanskaram University, New Delhi, India, in critical fields including Medical Sciences, Engineering, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The farewell ceremony, which took place at the National Youth Centre behind Shere Hills in Gwafan, Jos North Local Government Area, highlighted the state government’s sustained commitment to education and human capital development.
Addressing the scholarship beneficiaries, Governor Mutfwang described the programme as a rare privilege and a trust placed in them by the people of Plateau State. He urged the students to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to academic excellence, reminding them that they would serve as ambassadors of both Plateau State and Nigeria while studying abroad.
The governor further charged the students to uphold integrity, respect the laws and culture of their host country, and fully leverage the exposure and skills they would acquire, particularly in technology-driven disciplines vital to global advancement. He encouraged them to return home upon completion of their studies to contribute meaningfully to the development of Plateau State, assuring them of his administration’s continued support.
In a symbolic gesture, Governor Mutfwang presented the students with their international passports and flight tickets, confirming that all travel arrangements had been concluded and reaffirming the state government’s full backing for the initiative.
Earlier in her remarks, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Kachollom Pyam Gang, described the scholarship programme as historic, noting that it was rare for a state government to sponsor as many as 200 students abroad at the same time. She commended Governor Mutfwang for his vision and sacrifice, stating that the initiative would leave a lasting imprint on Plateau State’s educational landscape.
Dr. Gang congratulated the beneficiaries on gaining admission into a reputable Indian university, attributing their selection to diligence, discipline, and academic excellence. She advised them to remain focused, obey the laws of their host country, and return home equipped with skills and knowledge that would drive sustainable development in the state.
Also speaking at the event, the Ujah of Anaguta, His Royal Majesty Johnson Jauro Magaji, lauded the governor for investing in the future of Plateau State, describing the scholarship scheme as unprecedented. He offered prayers for the students’ success and urged them to promote unity and represent the state with pride.
The Controller of the Plateau State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs. Linda Fom, advised the students to strictly comply with immigration regulations, avoid drugs and other illegal activities, and use their study visas strictly for academic purposes. She reminded them to honour the sacrifices made by the state government and their parents by returning home safely after their studies.
Speaking on behalf of parents, Mrs. Fabong Hope Adanchin expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang for extending educational opportunities to children from diverse backgrounds, including orphans and the less privileged, and prayed for divine wisdom and guidance for the governor.
Some of the beneficiaries also expressed appreciation for the scholarship. Jelbak Plangnan Wilfred, who will study Radiography and Imaging Technology, described the opportunity as life-changing, while Chumle Nanshep James, a prospective Optometry student, said the scholarship had significantly eased the financial burden on his family.
In her closing remarks, the Acting Education Secretary, Mrs. Nankus A. Ngwalang, thanked Governor Mutfwang for the initiative and appreciated parents, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders for their support, while praying for the students’ success and safe return.
The event marked another milestone in Plateau State’s ongoing efforts to empower its youth through quality education and international exposure.