Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, is reportedly on the brink of defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at any moment, sources close to the governor have confirmed.

Mutfwang, who ascended to power on the PDP platform after winning a protracted legal battle over the 2024 governorship election, is now said to be finalising plans to join the ruling APC.

Insiders who spoke with the Guardian revealed that the governor has already made arrangements to make the move, though it has yet to be formally announced.

When questioned about whether he had consulted widely with key stakeholders, including his constituents and the PDP, sources claim that Mutfwang admitted to not conducting broad consultations. Instead, he reportedly confided in a select few, including his mentor, Senator Jonah Jang, and some other trusted individuals.

It remains unclear how Jang, a former governor of the state, responded to Mutfwang’s defection plans. However, speculation is rife that Jang may have expressed reservations, stating that he could not guarantee Mutfwang’s success in another party.

Some believe that Jang ultimately acquiesced to Mutfwang’s decision to switch allegiance, while others argue that Jang’s support for the governor’s defection is conditional on his own loyalty to the PDP, which they see as a party with enduring strength and historical relevance since 1999.

A source close to the situation remarked, “Parties like the ANPP, CPC, and AD once competed with the PDP, but are now defunct, while the PDP remains robust due to its internal mechanisms for resolving disputes.”

Mutfwang’s imminent defection has sparked a fresh rift within the Plateau APC. A faction loyal to the immediate past governor, Senator Simon Lalong, has expressed concerns about the governor’s switch.

This faction recognises Lalong and APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, as the true leaders who have upheld the party in the state.

When asked how he would convince the people of Plateau about his impending move to the APC, Mutfwang reportedly claimed that it was Nigeria’s President who invited him to collaborate at the national level for the betterment of the state. The governor emphasised the national interest as the driving force behind his decision to join the APC.

However, Mutfwang’s decision has not been well-received by all of his loyalists. Many have criticised the move, arguing that it goes against their original agreement when they supported him in the 2023 governorship election.

These loyalists allege that former Governor Joshua Dariye and APC State Chairman, Rufus Bature, have been behind the backdoor negotiations to bring Mutfwang into the APC, with alleged involvement from the Vice President.

Some loyalists are reportedly determined to resist the governor’s defection, fearing that he intends to take over the leadership of the party in the state. These critics argue that the move would undermine the party’s cohesion and leadership structure.

Others contend that Mutfwang’s decision is a minority view, claiming that the governor only consulted with the “de facto governor,” Mr. Yari Kumchi, who is considered the most influential figure in the party. As Kumchi’s word is seen as final within the party, it’s believed that Mutfwang’s move may have been largely influenced by him.

In what was described as a direct confrontation, one of the PDP loyalists in the state reportedly asked Mutfwang why he would betray those who had prayed for his victory in the 2023 election, including those who have since passed away.

Sources claim that the governor had no response to the pointed question, leaving many disillusioned by his decision.

You may also like