The Plateau State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rufus Bature, has clarified why Governor Caleb Mutfwang has not been welcomed into the party, despite growing speculation about a planned defection.
In recent days, several political groups in Plateau State have held press conferences and rallies, either backing the governor’s rumoured move to the APC or strongly opposing it.
Key APC figures in the state including the national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda have openly rejected the idea.
Governor Mutfwang has repeatedly denied that he has switched parties. Instead, he claims it is APC members who have been urging him to join.
Speaking on the matter, Bature said the governor must follow the same procedures required of anyone who wants to defect.
“The governor should follow the proper channel. Let him consult with the leaders of the party first. We have leaders at the national level, he should meet with them,” he said.
According to him, joining the party requires discussions and mutual agreement.
“There must be negotiations, give-and-take, for us to accept him. Let him come in a proper way. That is all we are saying.”
Bature added that the APC needs to clearly understand the governor’s intentions.
“Politics is about dialogue and negotiations. If the terms and conditions are good for the party, they will accept him. But if we don’t know his intentions for coming into the party, that is where the issue arises,” he explained.
“That is why you see groups speaking from different quarters, either for or against his defection.”
Aside from conditions reportedly set for Mutfwang, he has not personally informed the APC national chairman of any decision to join as of the time of filing this report.