Manny Ita
The political landscape of the North-Central region underwent a seismic shift on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State was formally received into the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a high-octane ceremony held at the Jos Polo Field. The event, which drew thousands of supporters from all 17 local government areas, was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing the Presidency and the national leadership of the party.
The transition marks the culmination of a political realignment that began late last year following Governor Mutfwang’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Accompanied by several state lawmakers and key political stakeholders, the Governor described his move as a strategic necessity for the people of Plateau. “This is a journey of faith,” Mutfwang declared during his address, adding that the move was intended to align the state with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu to ensure that Plateau attracts critical federal infrastructure and development projects.
Vice President Shettima, while handing over the party’s flag to the Governor, characterized the defection as a “homecoming” for a leader who recognizes the importance of national unity. The ceremony was attended by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas. The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Ahmed Idris Wase, described the reception as “earth-shaking,” noting that it signals the total consolidation of the APC in the North-Central zone.
Governor Mutfwang’s departure from the PDP has been attributed to the “irreconcilable chaos” within his former party, which his aides claimed had become an “unrealistic” platform for effective governance. During the rally, the Governor pledged to deliver “one million more votes” from Plateau State for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. This development follows closely on the heels of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection to the APC just 24 hours prior, further cementing the ruling party’s dominance across the northern corridors.
The atmosphere in Jos remained charged throughout the day, with heavy security deployments ensuring order as jubilant crowds celebrated the Governor’s new political affiliation. While the PDP leadership in the state has yet to issue a formal rebuttal, analysts suggest the loss of the state’s top executive represents a significant blow to the opposition’s influence in the Middle Belt.
