(By Walbe Orgak) Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s recent exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to generate debate across Plateau State, stirring mixed reactions among party faithfuls and political observers. While the defection has raised eyebrows, analysts say a deeper look at the 2023 general elections offers a clearer perspective on the unfolding political dynamics.
In 2023, Plateau presented a unique political equation. Then Governor Simon Lalong of the APC and the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, enjoyed the backing of the APC political structure in the state. On the other side, Caleb Mutfwang, as PDP’s governorship candidate, aligned with Atiku Abubakar of the PDP at the presidential level. Yet, in a dramatic outcome, both major party blocs fell short in the presidential contest as Labour Party candidate Peter Obi swept the polls convincingly across Plateau.
The result, observers argue, underscored a fundamental truth: party platforms alone no longer guarantee electoral victory in Plateau State. Rather, success at the polls increasingly depends on how well political actors connect with the aspirations, frustrations and hopes of the people. The 2023 outcome reflected a strong protest vote and a yearning for leadership that resonates with the grassroots, regardless of party affiliation.
Against this backdrop, Governor Mutfwang’s defection has reignited conversations within the PDP about identity, loyalty and the road ahead. Party stakeholders insist that the PDP in Plateau has always been more than a political platform; it is widely viewed by its supporters as a movement rooted in the struggles and collective will of the people.
As attention gradually shifts to 2027, voices within the PDP are calling for renewed unity and introspection. They argue that internal cohesion, active grassroots engagement and sincere listening to the people’s concerns will be critical if the party hopes to reclaim its political momentum. For them, the task ahead is not merely about party supremacy, but about reconnecting with Plateau’s heartbeat and translating popular sentiment into effective political organisation.
With the next electoral cycle on the horizon, Plateau’s political landscape remains fluid. What remains clear, however, is that the electorate has shown its readiness to look beyond party labels. For political parties and leaders alike, the lesson of 2023 is unmistakable: only those who truly understand and align with the people stand a chance of winning their mandate in 2027.
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