In a significant political realignment, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang is reportedly on the verge of abandoning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adviser Cites PDP Instability as Key Reason
The governor's political adviser, Mr. Istifanus Nwansat, disclosed the planned defection during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Monday, December 15, 2025. Nwansat attributed the move to the growing instability and internal crisis within the opposition PDP, which he described as making the party an unsafe platform for future electoral contests.
"From our assessment and analysis of all the available options, we have concluded that the safest decision for us today, and with the least risk factor, is to move into the APC," Nwansat stated. He explained that an internal review of the political climate indicated the APC currently presents the least risky option for the governor and his supporters.
Aligning Plateau with Tinubu's Federal Agenda
Beyond mitigating political risk, Nwansat revealed another core motivation for the defection. He said Governor Mutfwang's planned move is aimed at aligning Plateau State more closely with the political direction and governance agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
"The governor believes that it is good and reasonable enough as a leader for him to move his people to align with Mr. President," Nwansat added. He noted that despite being elected on the PDP platform, Mutfwang and his team acknowledge the efforts of President Tinubu in tackling national challenges.
Part of a Wider Exodus from the PDP
If he defects, Caleb Mutfwang will join a growing list of governors originally elected under the PDP banner who have switched allegiance to the APC since 2023. This trend underscores the deepening crisis within the main opposition party.
The most recent high-profile defector was Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who cited President Tinubu's intervention in his state's political crisis as a key reason for his move. Before Fubara, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah defected on October 14, 2025, arguing it would better connect his state to the Federal Government. Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri also formally resigned from the PDP in November 2025.
Nwansat's revelation confirms the continuing fragmentation within the PDP, as key figures seek what they perceive as more stable and nationally aligned political ground within the ruling party.
