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 membership card.
Governor Mutfwang was presented with APC membership card number APC 311101000001 on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Victoria Gowon Hall, Government House, Rayfield. Expressing gratitude to God, the Governor described his decision to join the APC as divinely guided and taken in the overall interest of Plateau State.
Addressing a jubilant gathering of party supporters, Governor Mutfwang said the move followed intense prayers, wide consultations, and full compliance with the party’s constitutional requirements. He affirmed 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 associates who stood by him during the arduous journey to his emergence in 2023, describing that election as one of the most challenging in Plateau’s history, marked by stiff political rivalry and prolonged legal battles up to the Supreme Court. He stressed that his victory was possible only by God’s intervention.
While appreciating his former colleagues in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Mutfwang emphasized that his defection was not borne out of hostility but a broader consultation aimed at advancing Plateau’s collective progress.
He called on political actors across party lines to unite for peaceful and credible elections in 2027 and expressed confidence that Plateau State would give massive support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He also reaffirmed his loyalty to the President, acknowledging ongoing efforts to address security and economic challenges nationwide.
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 now a “Plateau people’s party,” stressing that the state’s progress must rise above partisan and individual 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, Plateau APC Chairman, Hon. Rufus Bature, confirmed that Governor Mutfwang met all requirements and now enjoys full rights and privileges as a bona fide party member. This was corroborated by the APC Chairman of Ampang West Ward, Hon. Pius Shehu Dakop, and the Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Ladan Garkawa, who confirmed his resignation from the PDP and registration at ward and local government levels.
The event drew 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 enthusiastic APC supporters.
Senator Simon Lalong described the Governor’s defection as being in Plateau’s best interest and formally declared him leader of the APC in the state. Former Governor Joshua Dariye welcomed the move as a “dream fulfilled,” while the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Daniel Naanlong, called it 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 and later hosted party leaders to a unity luncheon at the Government House, Rayfield, reaffirming his commitment to peace, inclusiveness, and development.
