Caleb Mutfwang PDP exit stems from factional expulsions and party crisis; Plateau governor says joining APC ensures stability and collaboration
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has explained his objection to the expulsion of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and other Group of Five (G5) governors by a factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership, citing concerns over worsening the party’s protracted crisis.
Also read: PDP Members Urge Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang to Join APC
Speaking with reporters after a defection rally in Jos, Mutfwang said the disciplinary measures were imposed by a few individuals without prior consultation, describing the action as surreptitious and counterproductive.
He recalled: “I objected out of principle because it was done surreptitiously. There was no conversation around it that I was privy to, and I felt that a decision of such magnitude should not just be taken by a few people. Moreover, I didn’t see the purpose it was going to achieve. It was only going to deepen the divide, and as you can see, the situation has worsened since then.”
The expulsions, carried out at a factional convention in Ibadan, affected Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, factional National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and several other party stalwarts.
In response, the Wike/Anyanwu faction announced the removal of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and other officials.
Reflecting on his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mutfwang cited the PDP’s instability and the need for a viable platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said: From September or thereabout, the PDP began to wobble seriously.
It got to the point where, as an insider, I became aware, as one of our elders said, that the PDP had fallen into the hands of undertakers.
Going into 2027, I needed a platform. When I looked at it and saw that the PDP was not likely going to become a viable platform for 2027, I had to think of an option.
Mutfwang added that accepting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s invitation to join the APC was the most strategic choice after considering other party options.
He emphasised that the realignment will enhance collaboration with the Federal Government and bring dividends to Plateau State.
He stated: “For me, it is to expect more collaboration, more enhancement and more support to continue what we have started doing. At least, in the last one year plus, I think, I’ve enjoyed considerable collaboration with the Federal Government. Now that I’m part of the family, I expect even more enhanced collaboration in the future.”
Also read: Mutfwang’s APC Defection Sparks Development Hope in Plateau
The governor concluded that Plateau State is poised to become a central hub in the North Central region, with strengthened capacity to mobilise votes and deliver on its political potential.
