The North‑Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has intensified its efforts to persuade Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. The Forum, led by Chairman Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, asserted that their campaign is “based on a directive from above” from the party’s national leadership.
The Forum argues that Governor Mutfwang is a “progressive” whose inclusion would bolster the APC’s influence ahead of the 2027 general elections
However, their outreach has stirred tension within Plateau’s APC ranks. Local leaders fear that Mutfwang’s defection might give him control of the state party machinery and the APC’s 2027 governorship ticket. The Forum recently adopted Mutfwang’s “Green Cap Movement” brand in its campaign strategy, further intensifying criticism from those who view the gesture as anti-party.
High-profile voices, including Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Nentawe Yilwatda, who was APC’s Plateau governorship candidate, have asked for Zazzaga’s suspension, insisting that the lobbying effort is disloyal and self-serving
In its defense, the Forum rejects the suspension calls, stating that urging a sitting governor to defect is not anti-party but should instead be seen as strengthening the APC’s outreach. It cited recent defections from Delta and Akwa Ibom, where governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Umo Eno recently joined the APC, calling for Plateau not to be “left behind in the wave of realignment.”
Additionally, the Forum noted Governor Mutfwang’s cordial relations with President Bola Tinubu, highlighting their interaction during the Sallah festivities in Lagos, and suggested his integration would enhance regional development, particularly with the North‑Central Development Commission initiative.
