Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has defended his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the move was carefully considered and aimed at advancing the long-term interests of the state.
Speaking during a political stakeholders’ gathering in Jos, the governor said his defection was neither impulsive nor politically reckless but was guided by a commitment to the collective growth, stability and development of Plateau State.
According to Mutfwang, the decision followed extensive consultations and reflection on the political realities facing the state and the need to align Plateau more closely with the Federal Government to accelerate development initiatives.
“My decision was not reckless. It was taken in good faith and in the interest of the people of Plateau State. Our focus remains political stability, unity and sustainable progress,” the governor said.
Mutfwang formally defected from the PDP to the APC in January 2026 after weeks of speculation about his political future. The move made Plateau the latest state to shift into the APC column and further strengthened the ruling party’s presence in the North-Central region.
At the time of his defection, the governor said he was seeking a political platform that would enable him to provide “purposeful leadership” and improve service delivery to the people of Plateau State. He also cited the need for greater cooperation with the Federal Government in pursuing development goals.
The governor maintained that his administration remains committed to inclusive governance regardless of party affiliation and urged residents to judge his decision by its impact on governance and development outcomes rather than partisan considerations.
His defection generated mixed reactions within Plateau’s political landscape. While APC leaders welcomed the move as a significant political gain, the PDP criticised the decision and questioned the circumstances surrounding his departure from the opposition party.
Mutfwang was elected governor in 2023 on the platform of the PDP before officially resigning his membership of the party and joining the APC. In his resignation letter, he expressed gratitude to the PDP for providing him with the platform that brought him into office while stating that prevailing political realities informed his decision to seek an alternative platform.
Political observers say the governor’s continued defence of his defection reflects ongoing efforts to reassure supporters and consolidate political support ahead of future electoral contests in the state.
The APC has described Mutfwang’s entry into the party as a major boost to its influence in the North-Central zone, while the governor has repeatedly argued that the move was intended to foster unity, stability and development in Plateau State.
