Mutfwang Backs APC Move, Promises Bigger Gains For Plateau

According to Ireporter Online, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has defended his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), rejecting claims that he betrayed the people of the state.

The governor maintained that his decision was made in the broader interest of Plateau State, rather than for personal political survival, as suggested by critics. Since officially joining the APC on January 27, Mutfwang has faced criticism from opponents accusing him of abandoning the mandate given to him in the 2023 governorship election.

During an interaction with journalists at the Government House in Jos, the governor said his defection had been widely misunderstood. He explained that the move followed careful consideration of the political future of the state and the state of the PDP, which he described as being in deep turmoil with no clear resolution ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mutfwang revealed that he initially had no intention to leave the PDP despite overtures from President Bola Tinubu and pressure from various quarters. However, ongoing challenges within the party compelled him to reconsider. “Going into 2027, I needed a platform. When I looked at it and saw that the PDP was not likely going to become a viable platform, I had to think of an option,” he said.

The governor added that his decision was informed by what he described as “intelligence gathering” on the state of political parties in Nigeria. He dismissed other parties, including the ADC, as unsuitable alternatives.

Mutfwang emphasized that joining the APC would bring tangible benefits to Plateau State, particularly in education, security, and agriculture. He said progress achieved under his leadership in the PDP would be strengthened through alignment with the ruling party at the federal level.

Addressing allegations of neglect by the Federal Government, the governor insisted that Plateau had maintained a collaborative relationship with the center. He also described the state as emerging as a strategic political and economic hub in the North-Central region.

Concluding his remarks, Mutfwang expressed confidence in the political maturity of Plateau voters, noting that they understand decisions made in the collective interest. He added that engagement with grassroots communities had helped residents appreciate the rationale behind his defection.