By Israel Adamu, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, on Friday formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) after receiving his party membership card at an event held in Jos, the state capital.The APC membership card was presented to Governor Mutfwang by the State Chairman of the party, Hon. Rufus Bature, marking his official defection and alignment with the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.The event was attended by key APC stakeholders, including former Plateau State Governor and Senator, Simon Lalong; Senator Diket Plang; and House of Representatives member, Yusuf Gagdi, among other party leaders.
Speaking after receiving his membership card, Governor Mutfwang pledged that Plateau State would deliver over one million votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.“Let me say wholeheartedly that, having prayed and consulted widely, I have decided to accept the membership of the APC,” Mutfwang said. “I am excited because one of my long-held dreams is to see Plateau united, and today I am beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.”The governor reflected on the political divisions that have characterized the state over the years, noting that successive administrations struggled with deep-seated polarization.“
In the days of former Governor Joshua Dariye, Plateau was highly polarized. When Governor Jonah Jang took over, the divisions remained sharp. When my brother Simon Lalong became governor, I never set foot in Government House,” he said. “When I took over, the divisions worsened, and I prayed silently that God would bring reconciliation.” Mutfwang described his defection as a turning point for Plateau politics, emphasizing reconciliation and unity across party and ethnic lines.“ Today, God has brought us together. We are laying the foundation for a new Plateau, where acrimony is reduced to the barest minimum,” he added. He further assured party leaders and supporters that his administration would work closely with the APC’s national leadership to ensure Plateau State remains relevant in national political discussions.“Together with the national leadership of our party, we will ensure that Plateau has a seat at the table where critical decisions are made,” Mutfwang said. “I also look forward to one of the most peaceful elections in the history of Plateau State in 2027.”
Earlier, the APC State Chairman, Hon. Rufus Bature, described the governor’s defection as a historic moment for the party and the state.“Today’s event is very significant for the APC. As the Scriptures say in Ecclesiastes, there is a time for everything, and the time is now,” Bature said.He noted that Governor Mutfwang had fulfilled all constitutional requirements of the party and was therefore entitled to all privileges accorded to APC members.“ This is a moment that will be recalled in the political history of Plateau State for years to come,” Bature added.The development is expected to reshape Plateau State’s political landscape as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.—
