The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after completing his online registration and receiving his official party membership card.
Governor Mutfwang was issued APC membership card number APC 311101000001 on Friday, January 2, 2026, during a ceremony held at the Victoria Gowon Hall, Government House, Rayfield. Speaking at the event, the Governor expressed gratitude to God, describing his decision to join the APC as divinely inspired and taken in the overall interest of Plateau State.
Addressing a large gathering of party supporters, Governor Mutfwang said his defection followed extensive prayers, wide consultations, and strict adherence to the party’s constitutional requirements. He stated that he had embraced the APC as a platform to promote peace, unity, and sustainable development across the state.
The Governor paid tribute to his supporters and political allies who stood by him throughout his political journey, particularly during the 2023 governorship election, which he described as one of the most challenging in Plateau State’s history. He noted that the election was marked by intense rivalry and prolonged legal battles that culminated at the Supreme Court, adding that his eventual victory was possible only by God’s intervention.
While appreciating his former associates in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Mutfwang emphasized that his defection was not motivated by hostility, but rather by broad consultations aimed at advancing the collective progress of Plateau State.
He called on political actors across party lines to work together to ensure peaceful and credible elections in 2027 and expressed confidence that Plateau State would offer overwhelming support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Governor also reaffirmed his loyalty to the President, commending ongoing efforts to address security and economic challenges across the country.
Governor Mutfwang pledged to work closely with the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, party stakeholders, and the people of Plateau State to accelerate development. He described the APC as a “people’s party” for Plateau State, stressing that progress must transcend partisan and personal interests.
“We have been divided for too long. The time has come to replace bitterness with peace, hatred with love, and division with unity, so that Plateau may truly be great,” the Governor said.
Presenting the membership card, the Plateau State APC Chairman, Hon. Rufus Bature, confirmed that Governor Mutfwang met all the party’s requirements and now enjoys full rights and privileges as a bona fide member. This was further confirmed by the APC Chairman of Ampang West Ward, Hon. Pius Shehu Dakop, and the Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Ladan Garkawa, who verified the Governor’s resignation from the PDP and his registration at the ward and local government levels.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro; former Governors Chief Joshua Dariye and Senator Simon Lalong; Senator Diket Plang; members of the National Assembly; and thousands of APC supporters.
Senator Simon Lalong described the Governor’s defection as being in the best interest of Plateau State and formally declared him the leader of the APC in the state. Former Governor Joshua Dariye welcomed the development as a “dream fulfilled,” while the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Daniel Naanlong, described it as a historic moment for the state.
Following the ceremony, Governor Mutfwang held a strategic meeting with APC state executives, elders, and stakeholders at the party secretariat, after which he hosted party leaders to a unity luncheon at the Government House, Rayfield, reaffirming his commitment to peace, inclusiveness, and development.
