Former Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, has dismissed claims that he called for the resignation of the incumbent governor, Caleb Mutfwang, following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking via a statement by his media consultant, Clinton Garuba, the elder statesman said that he never demanded the governor’s resignation during a PDP stakeholders’ meeting held last week.
Describing the report as misleading, Jang explained that he only condemned the trend of politicians defecting from their parties.
He said, “I have never asked for Governor Mutfwang’s resignation because he dumped the PDP for the APC.
“I want Plateau residents to disregard the report and continue supporting Governor Mutfwang, who governs with a legitimate mandate given to him by the people of the state.”
Meanwhile, the North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has welcomed Plateau State Governor, Mutfwang, into the ruling party, urging him to rise above ethnic and religious sentiments and align closely with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Naijaonpoint reports that Mutfwang had recently announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, a move the Forum described as being in the best interest of Plateau State.
In a statement issued on Monday, January 5, in Abuja and signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, the Forum said it spearheaded the efforts that culminated in the governor’s defection and expressed confidence in his capacity to strengthen the APC in the North-Central zone.
The Forum noted that its campaign to bring Mutfwang into the APC was motivated by the need to see him operate in a political environment anchored on unity, peace and development.
“We, the North-Central APC Forum, extend a warm welcome to Governor Caleb Mutfwang as he formally joins the APC family, where unity, peace and progress flourish, and ethnic and religious differences are set aside,” the statement read.
It added, “Our campaign to bring Governor Mutfwang to the APC was driven by our desire to see him operate in an environment where unity thrives, away from the divisive influences of ethnic and religious politics that were prevalent in his former party.”
The Forum said it supported the governor’s defection because of its belief in his intentions for Plateau State.
“We supported his defection because we know he has a good heart and a genuine desire to develop Plateau State. He means well for the people,” it said.
While welcoming the governor, the APC stakeholders cautioned him against retaining or associating with individuals who promote ethnic or religious agendas within his administration.
According to Zazzaga, such tendencies are incompatible with the progressive ideals of the APC and should have no place in Mutfwang’s government.
The Forum claimed it observed that during Mutfwang’s time in the PDP, some officials in his administration promoted divisive politics, describing this as one of the major reasons it pushed for his defection.
“Now that he is in the APC, we expect him to carefully select and work with people who are truly committed to the development of Plateau State, not those driven by narrow ethnic or religious interests,” the statement said.
The Forum also urged the governor to unite the people of Plateau State and ensure that governance under his watch remains inclusive.
“He should bring together all citizens of Plateau State, irrespective of ethnic or religious differences, so that the dividends of democracy reach every part of the state,” Zazzaga said.
It further advised Mutfwang to work closely with President Tinubu, particularly in tackling the lingering security challenges in the state.
“We also urge him to work closely with Mr President in addressing the security challenges in Plateau State, which will give him direct access to the nation’s security leadership,” the Forum stated.
The APC group urged the governor to see himself as a father to all Plateau citizens and ensure that no section of the state feels marginalised.
“He should embrace the principles of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration and continue to defend the heritage of the Plateau people,” the statement added.
The Forum also advised the governor to assert full control over his administration and resist undue influence.
“He should assert full authority over his government. Previously, there were individuals who wielded undue influence, but as a member of the progressive party, he should govern without fear or favour and work solely for the people,” it said.
The Forum revealed that it faced intimidation and harassment while campaigning for Mutfwang’s defection but remained undeterred because of its belief in his leadership qualities.
“Some people opposed our campaign because they felt his defection would affect their governorship ambitions. Despite the pressure, we persevered because we believe in what he represents,” the statement said.
It added that the governor’s defection aligns with its broader political objectives, including its earlier endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term in 2027.
The Forum recalled its pledge to deliver six million votes for the APC in the next general election, expressing optimism that Mutfwang’s presence in the party would help achieve that target.
“We know the people of Plateau stand with Governor Mutfwang, and his presence in the APC will help in actualising this goal,” the statement concluded.