The Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the completion of his online registration and the official presentation of his membership card.
The Governor received his APC membership card No. APC 311101000001 on Friday, at the Victoria Gowon Hall, Government House, Rayfield.
Expressing profound gratitude to God, Governor Mutfwang described his political realignment as divinely guided and undertaken in the overall interest of Plateau State.
Addressing a jubilant crowd of party faithful, the Governor said his decision followed fervent prayers, wide consultations, and strict compliance with all constitutional provisions of the party.
He affirmed that he had wholeheartedly embraced the APC as a platform for advancing peace, unity, and development in Plateau State.
Governor Mutfwang paid glowing tribute to those who worked tirelessly for his emergence as Governor, commending their resilience, commitment, and sacrifice.
He reiterated his deep affection and respect for his former associates in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that his defection does not translate to enmity, but rather a broader consultation in the collective interest of Plateau’s development.
Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, Governor Mutfwang described the contest as one of the most challenging in the history of the state, marked by intense political rivalry and prolonged legal battles up to the Supreme Court.
He noted that his victory was made possible solely by divine intervention.
He called on political actors across party lines to unite under God for peaceful and credible elections in 2027, expressing confidence that Plateau State would deliver overwhelming support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, party officials, stakeholders, and the people of Plateau State to accelerate development.
He described his new political journey as one driven by faith and an unyielding commitment to the greater good of the state.
Emphasizing unity, the Governor stated that his overarching vision since assuming office has been to foster cohesion across Plateau State.
Myutfwang declared that the APC has now become a “Plateau people’s party,” insisting that Plateau’s progress must transcend individual or partisan interests.
“We have been divided for too long from the era of Governor Joshua Dariye, Senator Jonah David Jang, Senator Simon Lalong, and now my time.
“The moment has come for us to replace bitterness with peace, hatred with love, and division with unity, so that Plateau may truly be great,” he said.
He renewed his support for the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acknowledging that while challenges remain in security and the economy, the President is making deliberate efforts to improve the standard of living of Nigerians and promote progressive governance.
Presenting the APC membership card, the Plateau State Chairman of the party, Hon. Rufus Bature, confirmed that Governor Mutfwang had fulfilled all requirements for membership and is entitled to all rights and privileges as a bona fide member of the APC.
The APC Chairman of Ampang West Ward, Hon. Pius Shehu Dakop, alongside the Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Ladan Garkawa, corroborated that the Governor had formally resigned from the PDP and completed his registration at both ward and local government levels.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries including the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro; former Governors of Plateau State, Chief Joshua Dariye and Senator Simon Lalong; the Senator representing Plateau Central, Senator Diket Plang; members of the National Assembly; and a large crowd of enthusiastic APC supporters.
Shortly after the ceremony, Governor Mutfwang held a strategic meeting with members of the APC State Executive Committee, elders, and key stakeholders at the party secretariat, where he familiarized himself with the party’s structure and operations.
“We have come to add value, not subtract. We have come not for acrimony, but to douse tension,” the Governor said, noting that he had earlier been invited by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to join the APC as far back as July, stressing that the decision was not for personal gain.
He pledged to collaborate with fellow North-Central governors to mobilize support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, while advocating restraint and responsible use of social media in political engagement.
Speaking at the event, Senator Simon Lalong described Governor Mutfwang’s defection as being in the best interest of Plateau State and formally declared him leader of the APC in the state, in line with the party’s constitution.
Former Governor Joshua Chibi Dariye welcomed Governor Mutfwang into the APC, describing the move as a “dream fulfilled,” while urging youths to use social media constructively and local government leaders to prioritize grassroots development.
The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Daniel Naanlong, described the development as a historic moment that positions Plateau to fully harness its vast potential and reap the dividends of democracy.
Senator Diket Plang and Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, both pledged unwavering legislative support to the Governor and called for unity among Plateau citizens.
Earlier, APC State Chairman Hon. Rufus Bature, and Chairman of the APC Elders Advisory Council, Ambassador Danladi Wuyep, assured the Governor of the full support, cooperation, and counsel of party leaders and elders.
The Governor later hosted party leaders and stakeholders to a unity luncheon at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Rayfield.
