North-Central APC Hails Muftwang’s Defection as Plateau Governor Joins Ruling Party

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has welcomed Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang into the ruling party, describing his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a historic and strategic shift for both the state and the region.

Muftwang’s move was formally confirmed on Thursday night by APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, during the party’s 14th National Caucus meeting at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

Reacting on Friday, the Chairman of the North-Central APC Forum, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, said the governor’s decision marked the successful conclusion of a year-long campaign by the Forum urging Muftwang to align with the APC.

In a statement, the Forum disclosed that the Plateau governor has directed his aides to defect with him, assuring him of full political backing within the party.

The group said Muftwang’s defection has now made the North-Central the only geopolitical zone with all six governors on the APC platform, calling it a landmark development in the party’s regional consolidation.

“We thank Governor Muftwang for heeding our call, which was driven by our commitment to the progress of Plateau State and the entire North-Central,” the statement said.

According to the Forum, the decision was informed by Muftwang’s performance in office and the belief that operating within a “stable political platform” would enable him to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of Plateau State.

The Forum also expressed confidence that Muftwang’s alignment with the APC would strengthen cooperation with President Bola Tinubu, describing the move as beneficial beyond Plateau State.

In a political projection ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Forum reiterated its pledge to deliver six million votes for Tinubu’s re-election, noting that the region’s full control by the APC puts the target firmly within reach.

The group thanked President Tinubu for what it described as inclusive leadership that made the governor’s defection possible.

Muftwang’s defection follows months of speculation and political maneuvering. In April 2024, shortly after the Supreme Court upheld his election, the North-Central APC Forum formally invited him to join the party. Although the governor had earlier dismissed rumours of defection in late 2024, citing continued loyalty to the PDP, pressure intensified as the opposition party battled internal crises.

While some APC leaders in Plateau State had opposed Muftwang’s entry into the party, the North-Central APC Forum dismissed such resistance as self-serving and contrary to the broader interests of the party.

With Muftwang now officially in the APC, the Forum says the focus has shifted to party unity and mobilising support across the North-Central ahead of the next electoral cycle.