The defection of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to the All Progressives Congress has started yielding results for the state. According to the Chairman of Bassa Local Government Area, Dr. Joshua Sunday Riti, the governor's decision to join the ruling party was strategic and in the best interest of Plateau State. Since Mutfwang defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC in December 2025, the state has begun to attract more federal presence.
Riti stated that the governor's defection has led to several developmental projects in the state. He mentioned that just a few weeks after the defection, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the construction of the Akwanga-Jos road, a long-standing request of the people of Plateau State. The road has been a nightmare for the people for many years, and its construction is a direct benefit of aligning with the centre.
Riti also disclosed that President Tinubu approved the dualisation and construction of the Mararaban Jama’a–Mangu–Kanke–Langtang–Shendam–River Ibi Road, a 400-kilometre superhighway linking Plateau and Taraba states. The route connects Mararaban Jama’a through Mangu, Kanke, Langtang, Shendam in Plateau State down to River Ibi in Taraba State. This project is expected to boost economic activities and improve connectivity between the two states.
The Chairman of Bassa Local Government Area also mentioned that other projects being attracted to the state since the defection include the approval for the recruitment of 1,000 Plateau youths as forest guards to boost security. Additionally, the Federal Government has renewed its commitment to construct other road projects linking Plateau to Taraba State. Riti stated that before now, it was difficult to get federal attention because the state was in opposition.
However, with the state now in the same party as the federal government, doors are opening, and more projects are coming. Riti called on the people of Bassa LGA and Plateau State at large to support Governor Mutfwang and President Bola Tinubu to enable them to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people. He emphasized that politics is about development and that the governor has shown that his defection is not about personal interest but about the progress of Plateau.
Meanwhile, Governor Mutfwang on Wednesday flagged off the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the 41-kilometre Bisichi–Fan–Mangu Halle Road. The road project is expected to strengthen connectivity across Plateau's three senatorial districts and facilitate the movement of people, goods, and services. The governor stated that the decision to undertake the comprehensive reconstruction reflected his administration's determination to provide durable infrastructure that would serve present and future generations.
The governor also announced that President Tinubu had granted full approval for the Mararaban Jama’a–Mangu–Kanke–Langtang–Shendam–Ibi Road. He expressed appreciation to Tinubu for his support, goodwill, and friendship towards the people of Plateau State. The collaboration between the state and Federal Governments is opening new opportunities for infrastructure, economic growth, and improved livelihoods.
Key points
- Governor Caleb Mutfwang's defection to APC has led to several developmental projects in Plateau State.
- The construction of the Akwanga-Jos road and the Mararaban Jama’a–Mangu–Kanke–Langtang–Shendam–River Ibi Road are some of the projects approved since the defection.
- The state's alignment with the federal government has led to increased federal presence and developmental projects in the state.
