APC stalwart hails Mutfwang’s defection, says Plateau now in political mainstream

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Yakubu Dati, has welcomed the decision of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to officially defect to the party during its 14th National Caucus meeting in Abuja.

Dati said the announcement by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, confirming Governor Mutfwang’s movement into the party ended months of speculation over his political future.

According to him, the governor’s decision signalled Plateau State’s resolve to move away from what he described as politics of sentiment and align fully with the mainstream of Nigeria’s politics.

He described the defection as a form of homecoming, noting that several states had already discovered that alignment with the centre offers renewed hope and tangible benefits.

“And this action by Governor Mutfwang, while clearly aligning Plateau with the ruling party at the federal level, will unlock greater access to resources, accelerate development projects and enhance national policy influence,” Dati said.

He added that the realignment would help reduce partisan friction, ensure smoother governance and enable faster implementation of infrastructure and security initiatives across the state.

Dati cited the examples of former Ebonyi State governor, Dave Umahi; former Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade; and former Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle, who, he said, embraced similar political realignments for the benefit of their states, noting that Delta and Akwa Ibom states were already enjoying such dividends.

“Alignment with the centre, especially under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, provides political stability and comfort to deepen development through leadership capacity and strategic negotiation,” he said.

He further observed that defections often come with lawmakers, commissioners and local government officials, a development he said strengthens the ruling party and consolidates its position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Dati, Governor Mutfwang’s defection is necessary for the sustained development of Plateau State.

Looking at the broader political implications, Dati said that with Mutfwang’s defection, the entire North Central region is now governed by the APC, a development he described as a sign of cohesion that would enable greater consolidation across the zone.

Dati said, “As an indigene of Plateau State I cannot but say Eureka to this development with the epiphany that my state has realigned not just with the centre but with its siblings in the North Central zone giving our dear state a stronger identification and sense of belonging.

“The North-Central occupies a strategic space in Nigeria’s power map. Frequently courted during elections, it, however, struggles to convert relevance into sustained Federal attention. 

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“In 1983 under the 2nd Republic, Plateau was the only state that chose to be different in party affiliation with its closest neighbours as Benue, Bauchi, Gongola and Kaduna all belonged to the ruling party at the centre.

“But the consequences were glaring as there was no synergy between the state and the center to complement the drive of our father, Chief Solomon Lar who would have achieved much more with the support of the party at the centre.

“Before Thursday when Mutfwang defected, Plateau reminiscent of the old order, was the only odd one out with Benue, Kwara; Niger; Nasarawa and Kogi all belonging to the ruling party.” 

 Dati further said, “There are definitely going to be challenges occasioned by this action as some would feel it would dampen their influence on the party. But such considerations are selfish and not forward looking.

“Gov Mutfwang will therefore face the challenge of uniting other members with those who are moving to the APC with him as there are entrenched party factions and rival ambitions. 

“Plateau’s APC, long in opposition, carries its own internal tensions hence success for the party will require discipline, inclusion, and strategic clarity to gain from federal alignment and stabilise governance.

“The good thing is that with the alignment, the cooperation of notable party leaders in the state like Hon Idris Ahmed Wase ,the Deputy Speaker of the 9th Assembly will be secured to give APC the needed push to navigate the political landmines.

“In a region long sensitive to political neglect, Gov Mutfwang has done well and taken the right decision to move Plateau State forward.”