Politics
Governor Mutfwang’s Senior Aide Finally Speaks On Defection Rumours
Hon. Istifanus Mwansat has reacted to rumors suggesting Governor Caleb Mutfwang is preparing to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mwansat, a former Speaker of the Plateau Assembly and now Senior Special Adviser on Political Matters and Special Duties, dismissed the speculation, calling it unnecessary and misleading.
Speaking in an interview, he addressed the recent wave of defections rocking the PDP and the pressure on top party figures across the country.
According to him, political movement is driven largely by fear, ambition, and the belief that “if they remain outside the ruling party, their chances of being counted politically are slim.”
He insisted that many politicians are running to the ruling party for survival rather than ideology, describing it as a “safe haven” for those hoping their “sins will be forgiven.”
Mwansat also expressed concern over the country’s political culture, saying hunger and poverty have weakened democratic values and shifted voter decision-making to “the depth of the contestant’s pocket.”
On whether defections could weaken the PDP ahead of 2027, he maintained that the party still has solid structures at the grassroots and will “bounce back and put up a strong fight” in the next general election.
When asked about claims that Nigerian politics lacks solid ideology, he agreed, stating that party-switching has become too common, especially among lawmakers who “violate the same laws they make.”
Responding to repeated claims that Governor Mutfwang may join the APC, Mwansat insisted the governor has made his position clear.
The Aide noted that Mutfwang has repeatedly said he is not leaving the PDP, stressing that his political direction is guided by God and the people of Plateau.
“The governor has consistently re-emphasized that he is not moving and will not move… the governor is not moving,” he said.
He also reacted to reports that some APC members had already rejected Mutfwang, describing such statements as empty politics.
According to him, the governor never indicated interest in joining the APC for anyone to “reject” him.
Mwansat said the APC in Plateau is only trying to push a narrative to create confusion, adding that if Mutfwang ever wished to defect, “reasonable APC members would be excited.”
Commenting on internal party grievances, he acknowledged some PDP members are unhappy but urged patience, noting that the governor is carrying a heavy burden as the only elected PDP official left standing in the state after court rulings overturned earlier victories.
He added that politics is dynamic, and while some individuals leave, others are returning silently. The senior special adviser to the governor noted that two former APC lawmakers recently held talks to rejoin the PDP.
On the relationship between the State Assembly and the governor, he described it as cordial, saying both sides are focused on “the Plateau project” rather than partisan rivalry.
Former National Treasurer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Hon. Ahmed Yayari, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside his supporters.
Hon. Yayari, who was a gubernatorial candidate under Kabiru Tanimu Turaki faction of the PDP, picked up his APC membership card at his Kalshingi Ward in Akko Local Government Area.
Speaking after receiving his membership card, Yayari, who served as Chief of Staff to former Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, pledged to deploy his years of political experience, extensive networks and support base towards securing victory for the APC in the 2027 elections.
He specifically expressed his commitment to supporting the APC governorship candidate in Gombe State, Dr Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, as well as other APC candidates at both state and national levels.
The former PDP National Treasurer said his decision to join the APC was accompanied by a commitment to work with party leaders, stakeholders and supporters towards strengthening the party and delivering electoral success in 2027.
Our correspondent reports that Hon.Yayari’s defection comes amid a series of high-profile political realignments in the State, with prominent politicians and thousands of their supporters moving into the APC.
Political pundits said the move is significant given his previous roles at the national level of the PDP and his experience within Gombe State’s political establishment.
Former First Lady Aisha Buhari has visited former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
We recalls that in February, Atiku and Aisha, the wife of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, first met in Saudi Arabia.
Atiku disclosed the visit in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, describing the meeting with the former First Lady as “warm and deeply appreciated”.
The former Vice-President said the visit also highlighted the need for those seeking a better Nigeria to prioritise the welfare and future of Nigerians.
Atiku wrote, “Today, I was delighted to receive former First Lady, H.E. Aisha Buhari. Her visit was warm and deeply appreciated.”
He said families across the country were facing increasing pressure from the rising cost of essential goods and services, including food, transportation, education and healthcare.
He added, “Beyond the courtesies of the occasion, it was also a reminder of the urgent responsibility before all who seek a better Nigeria: to put the welfare, dignity and future of our people first.”
Atiku said Nigerians deserved an economy that would provide opportunities and enable families to live with dignity and hope.
He wrote, “Across our country, families are being stretched by the rising cost of food, transport, education, healthcare and other basic necessities. Nigerians deserve an economy that rewards hard work, restores opportunity and allows every family to live with dignity and hope.”
He concluded, “That is the Nigeria we must build together, a country that works for its people again. We must ease the burden, restore hope and Make Nigeria Affordable Again.”
Lawmaker representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency of Borno State in the House of Representatives, Usman Midala, has left the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Naija News reports that Balami has defected to the Accord Party, where he is set to seek another term in the House of Representatives
The lawmaker, who serves as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, made his decision after consultations with political leaders, supporters, family members and associates.
His resignation from the APC was contained in a letter dated September 15, 2026, and addressed to the party.
The letter was also endorsed by the APC ward chairman in Hawul Local Government Area.
Balami explained that his decision to leave the ruling party was linked to concerns over the conduct of its primary elections.
According to him, the process did not provide what he considered adequate conditions for credible, free, fair and transparent participation by aspirants.
The federal lawmaker also disclosed that he decided not to take part in the APC primary election because of the situation surrounding the process.
Despite his departure, Balami acknowledged the role played by the APC and its leaders during his time in the party.
He appreciated the party for giving him the platform to contest elections and serve his constituents, adding that his experience within the party contributed to his political development and public service.
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