PDP takes Plateau from APC as INEC declares Mutfwang governor-elect

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken control of Plateau state from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Caleb Mutfwang, the PDP governorship candidate in Plateau, was declared the winner of the election on Monday.

Idris Amali, the returning officer, said Mutfwang polled 525,299 votes to win the governorship poll.

Nentawe Yilwatda, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, secured 481,370 votes after the final tally of results from the 17 LGAs in the state.

Patrick Dakum of the Labour Party (LP) was third, polling 60,310 votes.

Mutfwang won in 10 LGAs — Qua’an Pan, Bassa, Lantang North, Barkin Ladi, Langtang South, Pokkos, Riyom, Jos East, Mikang, and Mangu.

The APC candidate secured the highest number of votes in the remaining seven LGAs — Jos East, Kanke, Kanam, Pankshin, Shendam, Wase and Jos North.

Simon Lalong, the outgoing governor, was the director-general of the APC presidential campaign for the general election.

Yilwatda is believed to be his anointed candidate and preferred successor.