Mutfwang Quits PDP; Former Kogi Speaker Returns to APC in Twin Defections

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has formally resigned from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing a need for a new political platform to effectively serve the state.

In a resignation letter dated December 29, 2025, and addressed to party officials at the state and ward levels, Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the PDP for his political foundation but stated his commitment to “purposeful leadership” compelled the move.

“Given the realities of the moment and guided by my commitment to purposeful leadership, clarity of direction and service delivery, I am compelled to seek an alternative political platform,” the Governor wrote.

His departure follows months of political speculation, which intensified after the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, recently indicated that Mutfwang would be welcomed into the party. The PDP has not issued an official statement regarding the resignation, as attempts to reach its National Publicity Secretary were unsuccessful.

Mutfwang is now the eighth sitting governor to exit the PDP. Of the seven previous defectors, six—including the governors of Delta, Enugu, Taraba, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers States—joined the APC. Only Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State moved to the Accord party.

In a related political development, a former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Ahmed Imam, officially returned to the APC on Thursday. Imam, a founding member of the APC in Lokoja, had previously defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for a federal legislative contest.

Announcing his return in Lokoja, Imam declared himself “back home” and pledged full commitment to the success of the APC in the 2027 general elections. He credited Governor Ahmed Ododo for facilitating his return and called for unity within the party’s ranks in Kogi State.

“In no time, we shall take over the mantle of leadership of the party from the ward to the local government level,” Imam stated, following his announcement to local party executives.

His return was welcomed by APC Youth Leader in Kogi, Mohammed Mohammed, who described Imam as “a man of the people” and urged him to help foster party unity in Lokoja Local Government Area. The gathering concluded with Imam being declared the APC leader for the LGA.