The Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially welcomed Governor Caleb Mutfwang into the party, pledging to give him full support despite earlier resistance to his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Before the governor’s move, the state APC had strongly opposed the idea of Mutfwang joining its ranks. Party elders had openly vowed at a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos to block his entry, while the women’s wing, led by Mrs Elizabeth Yerse, staged a rally to express their disapproval. Several youth groups also held press conferences to reject the planned defection.
However, following the governor’s formal announcement on Thursday, the party’s stance has shifted, with the APC now describing his entry as a welcome development that would benefit the party and the state in the long run.
Speaking with journalists on Friday, the Plateau APC Publicity Secretary, Shittu Bamaiyi who was previously one of the most vocal opponents of the move said the governor’s decision to join the APC was one of the best things to happen to the party at the state level.
Bamaiyi said the party was not surprised by Mutfwang’s defection, describing the APC as an inclusive and non-discriminatory platform open to all eligible Nigerians.
“We are not surprised by the governor’s decision to join the APC, and we are ready to give him all the support he needs to succeed,” he said.
He stressed that joining a political party is a fundamental right guaranteed to every Nigerian, adding that no individual or group has the authority to prevent anyone from exercising that right.
“While some people may feel unhappy about his decision, others are genuinely pleased. We are happy that Governor Mutfwang has joined the APC. He will be a great asset, not only to the Plateau State chapter but also at the national level. Whether anyone likes it or not, our strength in the APC has increased,” Bamaiyi stated.
He noted that the governor is not new to party politics and understands how political structures operate, expressing confidence that Mutfwang would carry party members along in his new political journey.
“Governor Mutfwang is experienced in party politics and knows what to do. We expect him to work inclusively. He is welcome to the APC, and we will give him the support he needs to succeed,” Bamaiyi added.
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