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By Henry Umahi
If ever there was any doubt a bout the popularity of Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, such was dispelled on January 27. That day, thousands of ordinary and distinguished people of the state, friends and associates of the governor from the fringe of the Sahara to the Atlantic coastline descended on Jos, the capital of the state, to be part of history.
Indeed, that day, history was made. Mutfwang demonstrated that he had a magnetic pull and that he is a leader in whom his people are well pleased. He united the political class in the state and the North Central zone.
As early as 7am, people began to troop into the iconic Polo Field, Jos, to witness the official welcome of Mutfwang to the All Progressives Alliance (APC). He was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023.
The dramatic defection was seen as a significant political shift for Mutfwang, who built his career in the PDP and became governor in one of the most contentious electoral contests in the history of the state.
The entire state stood still to witness the epoch-making event. Market men and women left their stalls, just as youths thronged the streets in celebration. Coming into town, one would not fail to notice the pure bliss. Like a carnival of sorts, different groups sang and danced with the zeal of competition.
Someone remarked: “Mutfwang’s reception has given political scientists an assignment to unravel how a leader could galvanize so much force and momentum that unifies millions of people within a short period of time.”
On that day, Mutfwang, who received his membership card of the APC only on January 2, brought the entire party hierarchy to his state. By so doing, he redefined the concept of party politics and political realignment in Nigerian politics.
The event was graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representative, Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D; national chairman of APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum, Sen. Hope Uzodimma; governors, National Assembly members and party chieftains from across the country.
The outing was a bold statement by the governor that he was a great unifying force vital to the party and indeed the North Central. And as the governor noted, his shift will strengthen national unity.
A political analyst, Yakubu Moses, said: “Mutfwang has redefined the concept of party politics and political realignment in Nigerian politics.”
At the rally, Mutfwang said: “The symbol of the APC as a broom symbolises that many pieces tied together in one bundle is much more effective than just single pieces. I, therefore, want to thank my brothers who I met in the APC in the state
“Led by Senator Bako Lalong, who has graciously referred to me as the leader of the party in the state, I want to thank you for that exhibition of maturity.
“My deep appreciation also goes to Prof. Nentawe, the party’s national chairman, and all that have been in leadership positions in APC on the Plateau.
“We have not come to take over, but to add value to the party. We have come to make you better and stronger.
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“We have come that, together, all political rivalry on the Plateau will henceforth stop. And, together, we will reap the benefits of unity.
“I want to pay my respects to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who specifically invited me to join this new movement that is taking Nigeria to greater heights.
“I want to thank all of you for turning up this afternoon in solidarity with us and the people of Plateau State.
“As already said, this is a day of history. We have formally begun a journey, the journey of redefining the political demographics of Nigeria, which will reposition Plateau as a must-win state in future elections.
“I am persuaded that the people of Plateau, with whom we have found favour, have agreed with us that we will support President Tinubu for re-election in 2027.
“I know that the times are challenging, but I can tell you confidently that, in my private conversations with him, I have seen his passion and commitment to rejigging Nigeria and putting it on the path of prosperity, unity and progress.”
Speaking at the event, Shettima acknowledged the need for unity in the nation and in the state. He quoted Martin Luther King Jr., saying: “We either learn to live together as brothers or perish as fools.”
Stressing that the unity of the nation was sacrosanct and could not be overemphasised, the VP urged Mutfwang and the people of Plateau State to promote peace and unity at all times: “I want to remind the people of Plateau that what binds us together supersedes what divides us.”
Observers say that Mutfwang’s alignment with APC, as he prefers to call it, is far beyond a routine party switch, arguing that it reshapes internal power blocs of Plateau State and nourishes its relationship with the federal government. They also offer that the politics of the zone will not remain the same as other states look up to Plateau to show the way.
“This new elite consensus following reconciliation of political opponents can reshape Plateau’s political future. And when the history is written, Mutfwang’s name will be written in gold,” said John Dangwan.
The governor told Daily Sun that this shift is expected to yield “more collaboration, more enhancement, more support to continue what we have started doing.”
In his speech Yilwatda remarked that the moment was a clear demonstration of the party’s enduring philosophy of unity, inclusion and purposeful governance.
According to him, Mutfwang’s decision represents far more than a political realignment but a collective movement towards peace, stability and progress on the Plateau.
He promised the governor a second-term ticket.
