Despite denials by Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) that opposition governors were not being induced or coerced to join the party, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State on Monday confirmed that he had been under intense pressure to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.
Governor Mutfwang who pledged his continued commitment to the PDP, said only God and the people who elected him can determine his political future.
Addressing party faithful during a dinner held in honour of newly elected and former PDP executives from the 17 local government areas of the state at the Government House, Rayfield, Jos, Governor Mutfwang said only God and the people who elected him can determine his political direction.
According to him, “It is true that they have been putting pressure on me, but I told them that only two people will authorise me to change my party — one is the God of heaven, and the second is you people seated here”. The hall erupted into a thunderous and emphatic “No” when he posed the question if he should join the APC.
Dismissing speculations about being rejected by APC leaders as “an act born of fear,” the governor posited that “Those rejecting me for what I did not look for are engaging in a useless exercise. The truth is that 60 to 70 percent of APC members in Plateau would gladly have us in their party; they are only biting their fingers.”
He said the meeting was convened to appreciate the outgoing PDP executives for their sacrifices in returning the party to power and to congratulate the new State Executive Committee led by Chief Raymond Dabo. He expressed confidence that the new leadership would strengthen the party’s grassroots structures and lead it to victory in 2027.
Governor Mutfwang also commended aspirants such as Gregory Yenlong and Davou Mang, who stepped down during the last congress in the interest of peace and unity, and directed local government chairmen to hold similar engagement meetings to consolidate the PDP’s presence across the state.
In his remarks, a former governor of the state, Senator Jonah Jang praised Governor Mutfwang’s leadership, which he described as “transformative and unifying,” and expressed optimism that the PDP would record another victory in 2027.
Speaking in the same vein, former Minister of Youth and Sports, Damishi Sango, congratulated the new executive and pledged continued support for the administration, while immediate past PDP Chairman, Chris Hassan, expressed confidence that Plateau people would once again stand solidly behind the PDP in the next general elections.
