The All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised to welcome its 26th governor. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang is reportedly leaving the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

This comes as Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas is already considered an APC member. His official reception ceremony remains pending.

A source within the APC National Working Committee (NWC) confirmed Governor Mutfwang’s decision. He will switch allegiance ahead of the 2027 general elections. Mutfwang has already held a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Path to Defection

The APC official stated that Governor Mutfwang initiated the contact. He was elected under the PDP banner, a party currently facing internal divisions. Last week, he informed the APC National Chairman of his intention to join the ruling party.

“The governor had always reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP,” an NWC member disclosed to The Nation. “He finally made his decision. He informed the chairman last Tuesday. The chairman then took him to the president on Sunday.”

The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, facilitated this crucial meeting. Notably, Prof. Yilwatda was Mutfwang’s direct rival in the last Plateau governorship election. The meeting took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

“Governor Mutfwang met with the president,” the source added. “He will be officially welcomed into the party very soon.” This confirmation dismisses earlier rumours. There were speculations that Prof. Yilwatda might resist the defection. The party official firmly denied these reports as untrue.

APC’s Growing Ranks

The NWC member also affirmed that Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas is now regarded as an APC member. This brings the ruling party’s total count to 26 governors across Nigeria.

“We now have 26 governors in APC, with Kefas onboard,” the official reiterated. “His reception was only postponed due to sensitivity to the national mood.” This referenced the earlier delay of Kefas’s official defection rally.