The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State has called on Governor Caleb Mutfwang to publicly identify the party members allegedly mounting pressure on him to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
Governor Mutfwang had, over the weekend, told guests at a banquet held in the Government House, Jos, that several APC members had approached him to switch parties. However, he stated that only divine guidance and the will of the people who elected him could influence such a move.
“It’s true that they are putting pressure on me,” Mutfwang said. “But I told them that only two authorities can direct me to change my party, the God of heaven and you, the people. Those rejecting me for what I never sought are only hiding their desires. The truth is, 60 to 70 per cent of APC members in the state would be happy to have us join them, but they know I won’t.”
In response, the APC’s Acting Publicity Secretary in the state, Shittu Bamaiyi, dismissed the governor’s claim as “self-deception,” accusing him of using the statement to distract citizens from his administration’s shortcomings.
Bamaiyi said if Mutfwang’s government had genuinely met the expectations of Plateau residents, there would be no need for such political talk.
“If he truly meant well for his supporters and the state, he should have had the courage to name those pressuring him and explain why,” Bamaiyi said.
He further described the situation as “a political embarrassment,” arguing that it reflected poorly on the governor’s standing.
“It’s a big minus for a sitting governor when members of the opposition reject his defection, even when that party’s goal is to win future elections,” Bamaiyi added.
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