By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has described the defection of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a bold and strategic decision taken in the overall interest of Plateau State and Nigeria.
The governor’s position was conveyed in a goodwill message issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Jack A. Tasha, from the office of the Deputy Governor.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, warmly welcomed Governor Mutfwang into the APC family, congratulating him on what he described as a demonstration of statesmanship and commitment to good governance.
He assured Governor Mutfwang of the full support and cooperation of APC governors and party leaders, noting that his defection would further strengthen the party and enhance the delivery of meaningful development to the people.
He emphasised that the APC remains a united platform driven by progressive ideals and pledged sustained collaboration between Gombe and Plateau States in promoting peace, unity, and socio-economic development across the North Central region and Nigeria as a whole.
Also speaking at the event, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, noted that Plateau State has produced notable leaders who have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s political, economic, and historical development.
According to him, Governor Mutfwang’s defection reflects a growing national consensus in support of the APC for national progress.
Senator Shettima stated that the development would help curb political rivalry among key stakeholders in Plateau State, thereby fostering lasting peace and unity.
He further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged the construction of the Akwanga–Jos Road and approved the recruitment of 1,000 Plateau youths as forest guards, among other dividends of democracy for the state.
The National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, formally welcomed Governor Mutfwang into the party, presented him with the APC flag, and announced him as the party leader in Plateau State.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma; Chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum, Engineer Abdullahi Suleiman; and the Plateau State APC Chairman, Hon. Rufus Bature.
They all described the defection as historic and a major boost to the party ahead of forthcoming elections.
In his remarks, Governor Caleb Mutfwang said his decision to join the APC was part of a broader process of re-engineering, repositioning, and realignment aimed at improving the welfare of the people of Plateau State.
He explained that aligning with the ruling party would attract greater federal attention and accelerate development in the state.
Governor Mutfwang expressed optimism that the move would end prolonged political rivalries and foster peace, unity, and progress in Plateau State, the North Central sub-region, and Nigeria at large.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, party leaders, members of the National Assembly, governors, deputy governors, and the people of Plateau State for their support.
Governor Mutfwang officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in Jos, Plateau State.
