Cover image: Map of Nigeria showing APC controlling states ; credit: Daily Trust

(Daily Trust) The All Progressives Congress (APC) is inching closer to controlling 30 of the 36 states of the federation following Plateau State’s Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s exit from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the ‘imminent’ defection of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Mutfwang formally notified the PDP of his resignation in a letter dated December 29, 2025, but made it public yesterday, paving the way for his registration with the APC, expected to be completed today.

Once formalised, Mutfwang’s defection will bring the number of APC governors to 28, equalling the high-water mark previously set by the PDP after the 2003 general elections.

However, unlike the PDP’s rise, the APC’s growth from having 20 governors after the 2023 elections has largely been driven by defections from opposition parties, raising concerns about the concentration of power and the potential drift toward a one-party dominance.

Meanwhile, Kano State Governor Yusuf’s aides have indicated that his registration with the APC is imminent. Should this occur, the ruling party will be in control of 29 states.

And with first-time governors such as Dauda Lawal of Zamfara (PDP) and Alex Otti of Abia (Labour Party) reportedly weighing a switch option to the APC, the number may soon surpass 30.

Governor of Plateau State , Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang., has formally resigned his membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), citing the need to pursue purposeful leadership, clarity of direction, and effective service delivery through an alternative political platform.

In a resignation letter dated 29th December, 2025, and addressed to the Ward Chairman of the PDP, Ampang West Ward, Mangu Local Government Area, Mutfwang announced his decision to leave the party with immediate effect.

Explaining the reason for his decision, Governor Mutfwang noted that the prevailing political realities and his personal commitment to purposeful leadership and service delivery compelled him to seek an alternative platform better aligned with his vision.

The resignation marks a significant political development in Plateau state and is expected to generate reactions within local political circles, given Mutfwang’s involvement and contributions to the PDP activities over the years.

The letter, which was officially received and acknowledged by the ward leadership on 30th December, 2025, expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunity it provided him to participate in the democratic process.

Mutfwang acknowledged the support of party leaders, members, and supporters at all levels during his time in the party, describing the experience as one for which he remains deeply grateful.

• Atiku and Obi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following Obi’s official defection to the party.

Atiku, in a post on X on Tuesday, described Obi’s entry into the ADC as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s opposition politics and expressed optimism about working together to build a formidable alternative to the ruling party.

“Today marks a significant moment in the history of political coalitions in our country, with the official declaration of my brother and associate, @PeterObi, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” Atiku wrote.

“It is my pleasure to welcome him officially, as we look forward to a robust working relationship that will foster a virile opposition, one that will ultimately form a government capable of bringing prosperity and peace to our people,” he added.