Amid a wave of defections rocking the opposition, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has declared he is facing intense pressure from political figures to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor, however, has firmly shut down these overtures, stating that only divine will and the mandate of the Plateau electorate can determine his political path.
A Defiant Stance
Speaking at a weekend event at the Government House in Jos, Mutfwang confirmed the mounting pressure. “It is true that they have been putting pressure on me,” he disclosed. “But I told them that only two people can authorise me to change my party — one is the God of heaven, and the other is you, the people.”
When he asked the crowd, “Have you asked me to go anywhere?” the audience responded with a resounding “No!”
APC’s Public Rejection and Mutfwang’s Retort
The governor’s remarks add a new layer to a growing political feud. His statement comes just weeks after APC leaders in Plateau publicly dismissed rumors of his potential defection. At a stakeholders’ meeting, the party members unanimously voted against a motion to welcome him, with one leader, Festus Fuanter, declaring, “We don’t want anybody coming to our party. You do your thing, and we’ll do ours.”
In a sharp retort, Governor Mutfwang suggested that this public rejection was a strategic act of fear. He claimed that “60 to 70 percent of the people in the APC in Plateau would be happy to have us join them,” but stated they are “angry and twisting things” because they know he will never make the switch.
A Broader Exodus
Governor Mutfwang’s defiance stands out against a backdrop of significant PDP defections. Since the 2023 elections, the party has lost several governors to the APC, including Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Peter Mbah of Enugu, and Duoye Diri of Bayelsa, who is reportedly on his way out.
By holding his ground, Mutfwang positions himself as a stalwart of the opposition, setting the stage for a contentious political battle as the 2027 elections draw nearer.