By Golok Nanmwa,Jos
The Tinubu and Mutfwang Green Cap Movement represents a significant political realignment effort in Plateau State, and the Nation at large aimed at fostering collaboration between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who was initially of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Spearheaded by Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, Chairman of the North-Central APC Forum, the movement began as a strategic adoption of a symbolic “green cap” to promote reform, accountability, and cross-party unity.
Launched in mid-2025 by Alhaji Zazzaga it ultimately contributed to Mutfwang’s defection to the APC in December 2025, marking a pivotal shift in regional politics.
Earlier before the launch , Alhaji Zazzaga had issued several press releases urging Gov Mutfwang to join the APC.
Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, a prominent APC figure and Chairman of the North-Central APC Forum, played a central role in initiating and driving the Green Cap Movement in Plateau State.
This movement sought to bridge partisan divides by endorsing President Tinubu’s leadership while supporting Governor Mutfwang’s governance, despite his PDP affiliation at the time.
Our correspondent reports that the green cap emerged as a non-partisan symbol representing a “mindset” for progress and reform, with the slogan “The Time is Now.”
Zazzaga’s who spoke to newsmen said the efforts were rooted in his vision for enhanced federal-state collaboration to deliver development benefits to Plateau and the North-Central region.
Plateau State has historically been a battleground for Nigeria’s major political parties, with the APC and PDP vying for control. In the 2023 elections, Governor Caleb Mutfwang secured victory under the PDP banner, while President Bola Tinubu won the presidency for the APC.
Despite partisan differences, Mutfwang’s administration was noted for progressive policies, earning cross-party admiration.
Zazzaga, as head of the North-Central APC Forum ,a nationally recognized body representing regional stakeholders identified an opportunity to realign Plateau’s politics with the federal government.
He viewed Mutfwang’s performance as aligned with APC’s progressive ideals and believed integrating him into the party would strengthen ties with Tinubu, facilitating better resource allocation and development for the state.
The Green Cap Movement was initially associated with Governor Mutfwang’s reform-oriented agenda in Plateau State, symbolizing growth and renewal (metaphorically tied to the “raining season” in Plateau, implying a time for change).
Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga elevated it to a broader political platform by formally adopting it through the North-Central APC Forum.
This adoption occurred during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting in Jos on May 23, 2025 where the forum declared the green cap as its official logo for the 2027 elections in Plateau.
Zazzaga positioned the movement as non-partisan, stating: “The Green Cap is not a symbol of any particular political party.
It represents a mindset and the people, not a platform ,he then said .
He also added that ” The initiative aimed to endorse Tinubu for a second term in 2027, citing his economic reforms and progress since assuming office on May 29, 2023, while simultaneously backing Mutfwang for re-election, urging him to defect to the APC for better synergy with the president.
This dual endorsement marked the start of the “Tinubu and Mutfwang” aspect, framing the movement as a call for unity under Tinubu’s leadership.
The forum’s adoption then faced internal resistance from some APC executive, who viewed it as potentially linked to the PDP.
Zazzaga dismissed these claims as “baseless and misleading.
Zazzaga’s persistence earned him titles like “Captain of the Green Cap Movement” and “Table Shaker” among supporters, reflecting his role in disrupting traditional party lines.
Amid resistance from local APC leaders, Zazzaga continued lobbying Mutfwang to join the APC, arguing it would align him with Tinubu, who “has the interest of Plateau in his heart.”
And the Governor Mutfwang formally defected to the APC on December 18, 2025, during the party’s National Caucus meeting in Abuja, heeding the forum’s call.
Zazzaga hailed this as “historic and strategic,” crediting it to the movement’s advocacy.
A grand reception for Mutfwang into the APC was held on January 27, 2026, at Jos Polo Field, organized by committees led by figures like Dr. Bernard Doro and Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase.
Zazzaga commended the organizers, noting the event’s success in solidifying the realignment.
The movement, started by Zazzaga’s strategic adoption and promotion, transformed Plateau’s political landscape.
It facilitated Mutfwang’s defection, enabling closer collaboration with Tinubu’s administration for regional development.
President Tinubu himself hailed the realignment, calling for collective support to deepen democracy.
Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga initiated the Tinubu and Mutfwang Green Cap Movement by leveraging his position in the North-Central APC Forum to adopt and champion a symbolic platform for political unity in Plateau State.
Beginning with the May 2025 stakeholders’ meeting, his efforts culminated in Mutfwang’s APC defection and a strengthened alliance with President Tinubu.
Meanwhile Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga on Thursday has expressed confidence that the North Central states would deliver over 6 Million votes to President Tinubu in the forthcoming election.
GOLOK JOEL NANMWA IS A JOURNALIST PRACTICING IN PLATEAU STATE
