‘Tinubu personally invited me to join APC’ – Plateau Gov, Mutfwang
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has officially confirmed his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), revealing that the move followed a personal invitation from President Bola Tinubu. Addressing stakeholders in Jos, Mutfwang explained that while he had previously declined several invitations to defect, he ultimately decided to cross over in the best interest of the state. He noted, “I pay my respects to President Tinubu for honouring our earlier decisions not to move to the APC and still maintaining a cordial relationship with us despite that.”
The Governor clarified that his departure from the PDP was primarily driven by the protracted structural instability within the party’s national leadership. He remarked, “Until recently, when it became clear that the PDP at the national level has undeniable problems with its structure, the need to decamp to another party was already quieted. We have zero challenges at the state level but all our efforts are vain without a solid structure at the national level.” This move effectively brings the entire North-central region under the control of the ruling APC.
Mutfwang emphasized that remaining in a fractured opposition was no longer a viable strategy for Plateau State. He stated, “The risks involved in staying back in the PDP are too high for us to carelessly gamble with the mandate Plateau people gave us. No one can tell reassuringly when and how the crisis will end, or what wins or losses could be incurred.” He expressed a deep-seated desire to protect his people from further political uncertainty, adding, “Bearing in mind the emotional torture our dear people went through, we can’t, by our actions or inactions, subject ourselves to another experience like that.”
Reflecting on the pragmatic realities of Nigerian politics, the Governor highlighted that securing a mandate is only successful if that mandate translates into tangible results. He confessed that while he could have joined a different party, history has shown that aligning with the federal center is essential for meaningful development. This strategic shift is designed to ensure that the votes cast by the people of Plateau are protected and leveraged for maximum state benefit.
The Governor also pointed to the positive relationship he has enjoyed with the current federal administration as a catalyst for his decision. He observed, “Although we’ve had our issues with Plateau APC, we can’t deny the favour and cordiality with which the Tinubu-led administration has related with us. And since the President didn’t try to force us to join the APC before things went completely south in the PDP, it’s fair enough that we considered joining the APC.”
Closing his address, Mutfwang teased that the state is set to benefit significantly from this new alignment. He argued that the move would allow Plateau to be “entitled to so many good things, from appointments, to favours that will richly impact Plateau,” asking rhetorically if it would be wise to forfeit such opportunities. He concluded with a promise of progress, telling his supporters, “Already there’s good news to be announced soon. Stay tuned
