The North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum has applauded Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the ruling APC, describing the move as historic and strategic.

Mutfwang’s defection was formally confirmed on Thursday night by APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, during the party’s 14th National Caucus meeting held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

Reacting on Friday, the North-Central APC Forum, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, said the governor had “heeded” its long-standing call to join the party, a campaign it said began in April 2024.

The Forum welcomed Mutfwang to the APC and assured him of full political support, noting that the governor had also directed all his aides to defect with him.

Describing the defection as a major political milestone, the group said the North-Central has now become the only geopolitical zone in Nigeria controlled entirely by APC governors.

“We are happy to announce the successful culmination of our agitation and campaign for Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State to join the APC. We thank him for heeding our call, which was motivated by our commitment to the interests of Plateau State and the entire North-Central,” the Forum said.

It explained that its push for Mutfwang’s defection was based on his performance in office and the belief that he would achieve more on a “stable political platform” like the APC, while also working more closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver dividends of democracy.

“With this development, the North-Central is now the only zone with six APC governors. This historic achievement has actualised our vision of delivering the entire region to our great party,” the statement added.

The Forum pledged to rally behind the Plateau governor, insisting that his defection would benefit not only Plateau State but the entire North-Central region.

It also restated its commitment to deliver six million votes from the zone for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, expressing confidence that the goal was now achievable with all states in the region under APC control.

“Our pledge to deliver six million votes for Mr President is firmly on course. He can rest assured of the North-Central’s support in 2027,” the Forum said.

The group further thanked President Tinubu for providing what it described as the leadership atmosphere that made Mutfwang’s defection possible.

Mutfwang’s move comes after months of political manoeuvring, opposition from some APC stakeholders in Plateau State, and repeated calls by the North-Central APC Forum urging him to abandon the PDP amid its internal crises.

Despite earlier resistance and protests by some party members, the Forum maintained that the governor’s entry into the APC was inevitable and in the best interest of the party and the region.