Politics
Defection Rumours Trail Governor Mutfwang as Branded APC Materials Spark Political Tension in Plateau
Speculation over a possible defection by Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified following the circulation of newly branded APC shirts and caps online, heightening political tension across the state.
The rumours emerge at a time when the APC in Plateau is undergoing rapid consolidation under its newly elected National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe. Since assuming office, Professor Nentawe has been credited with restoring internal discipline, unity, and strategic focus—drawing major political stakeholders back to the party.
Within six months, the Plateau APC has recorded several high-profile defections, including former allies of Governor Mutfwang, political bloc leaders, and grassroots mobilisers. Political analysts say the surge reflects widespread confidence in Nentawe’s inclusive leadership and growing dissatisfaction with what defectors describe as the PDP’s “internal crisis.”
However, rumours that Governor Mutfwang may be considering a move to the APC have triggered strong resistance within the party. Some party loyalists argue that unlike governors from other states who defect with strong political structures, Mutfwang lacks meaningful influence. They note that all but one National Assembly member from Plateau, as well as 22 of the 24 members of the State House of Assembly, are already in the APC. Several of the governor’s close associates—including his campaign Director General and ward chairman—have also crossed over.
The strongest pushback has come from the Association of Decampees to the APC, led by Hon. Mutbel Danlami. Speaking at a press briefing on 11 November 2025, the group dismissed the speculation and cautioned both the state and national leadership of the APC against admitting the governor.
Describing the Mutfwang administration as “hostile, exclusive, and directionless,” the group accused the governor of tribal favoritism, selective governance, and neglecting loyal supporters. Hon. Mutbel likened the idea of admitting Mutfwang into the APC to “helping Pharaoh cross the Red Sea,” warning that the governor would “destroy the party from within.”
The association added that their own defection from the PDP was driven by a desire for “inclusiveness, fairness, and purposeful leadership,” claiming that Mutfwang abandoned many of those who worked for his 2023 electoral victory. Hon. Mutbel further maintained that the APC does not need the governor to strengthen its electoral chances, saying “all those who supported him have already fled.”
As the rumours continue to spread, analysts note that Plateau’s political terrain remains highly volatile, with shifting alliances shaping the build-up to the next election cycle.
The controversy unfolds amid heightened political tension and rising insecurity across Nigeria, with recent attacks and emerging threats deepening public anxiety over governance and national stability.
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that it would not endorse any politician or political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chairman, Board of Trustees of the League, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, made this declaration at the opening of a three-day conference organised by the League for Imams, Alfas, political office holders and traditional rulers.
The event, which took place in Ibadan on Saturday, was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde, President of the League, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakar, Alfa Agba of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulbari Adetunji, Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, Secretary General of the League, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat and Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) Sheikh Hashim Atere and Professor Kamil Olosho.
Others are Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Abioye, Professor Amidu Sanni, Professor Adam Surajudeen and Iyalode Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sedeekat Aderibigbe, alongside other notable Islamic clerics, scholars and Muslims from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos and Ondo states.
Abdullahi El-Ilory while speaking on behalf of the League, explained that the group cannot declare support or announce any politician or political party as its choice for the forthcoming general elections.
He explained that the only thing the League can do and is still doing is to pray to God to give Nigerians credible leaders that will make life more meaningful for the citizens.
Abdullahi El-Ilory said, "We are religious leaders, we are not politicians, but we are the fathers of politicians. We will not declare support for any political party or politicians.
"We the league of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland cannot declare support or announce our support for any politician or political party. We can only pray to God for Him to give us credible leaders."
Makinde, while addressing the gathering, urged Nigerians to see themselves as one.
He advised Muslim clerics not to allow people to use religion to cause confusion in the forthcoming general elections.
Kewulere, in his contribution, noted that the focus of clerics should be to guide the people and preach the religion of Islam.
He said, "We are not politicians. An Imam is not supposed to be involved in politics. Our focus should be to guide people and preach the religion of Islam in line with the Islamic principles."
Ishola, on his part, explained that the programme was organised in order to ensure unity and cooperation among Muslims in Yorubaland before, during and after the general elections.
2027: We won’t endorse any politician, political party – Yoruba Imams, Alfas
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Nasarawa State has fixed Saturday, November 14, 2026, for the rerun of its governorship primary election across the 11 wards of Karu Local Government Area, urging aspirants and party members to uphold peace, unity and democratic principles.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued in Lafia on Friday by Jibril Sabo Keana, popularly known as JSK (Wakilin Keana), Director of Publicity and Spokesperson of the ADC Nasarawa State Campaign Council.
According to Keana, the rerun follows a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Abuja, on November 3, 2026, which established that voting did not take place in the 11 wards of Karu. The court consequently ruled that results from the affected wards could not form part of the declared primary results and directed the party to conduct a fresh election in those areas.
He explained that the governorship primary in Karu remains inconclusive pending the completion of the court-ordered rerun.
The three aspirants participating in the exercise are Major General Nuhu Bala Angbazo (Rtd.), Hon. Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi and Dr. Osana Odonye.
The Campaign Council stated that all three aspirants remain on equal footing, urging them and their supporters to demonstrate political maturity, sportsmanship and respect for the party's democratic process.
It called on eligible delegates to arrive early at their respective ward venues and participate in strict compliance with established party guidelines. The Council further stressed that only duly accredited delegates whose names appear on the approved party register would be permitted to vote.
On security and the conduct of the exercise, the Council strongly condemned violence, intimidation, harassment, provocation and the mobilisation of disruptive elements around polling centres. It warned aspirants and their supporters against threats, physical confrontations and the use of hired groups to intimidate delegates, electoral officials or other party members.
The Council maintained that resorting to violence would only undermine the party's unity and damage the political interests of those responsible.
It also cautioned aspirants, supporters and party members against announcing, circulating or celebrating unofficial results, insisting that only results formally declared by authorised party officials would be recognised. Members were urged to avoid speculation, unverified reports and premature victory claims capable of generating unnecessary tension.
Reaffirming its commitment to a free, fair, transparent and credible exercise, the Council described the importation of unauthorised delegates, voter inducement, vote buying and other electoral irregularities as unacceptable.
It advised anyone who observes such practices to submit formal written complaints to the appropriate ward officers and the State Secretariat for investigation and necessary action, rather than resorting to unsubstantiated allegations on social media.
The Council also expressed concern over misleading reports and statements falsely attributed to individuals and party leaders. It urged members of the public to rely on verifiable information from the court judgment, official party communication channels and statements issued directly by the aspirants.
Beyond the primary rerun, the Campaign Council proposed an all-inclusive stakeholders' conclave and reconciliation meeting immediately after the exercise.
The proposed meeting is expected to bring together the three aspirants, party leaders, elders, critical stakeholders, campaign representatives and other relevant interests to address outstanding grievances, rebuild confidence, strengthen mutual understanding and chart a common course for the party.
The Council clarified that the proposed reconciliation meeting would neither reopen the outcome of a duly conducted primary nor undermine established party structures. Rather, it is intended to provide an inclusive platform where stakeholders can express their concerns, feel acknowledged and work towards the collective interest of the ADC.
Stating the importance of unity beyond political competition, the Council noted that political contests are temporary, but the party and the aspirations of its members must endure.
It urged members to embrace whoever emerges as the party's candidate while ensuring that unsuccessful aspirants are treated with dignity, respect and a sense of belonging. It stressed that losing a primary should not mark the end of anyone's political journey, just as victory should not become an excuse for humiliation, intimidation or exclusion.
The Council further called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to provide adequate, impartial and professional security across the 11 wards of Karu throughout the exercise.
It urged security operatives to protect electoral officials, delegates, aspirants and voters while ensuring that anyone attempting to disrupt the process is dealt with in accordance with the law.
The statement concluded with an appreciation to the people of Karu for their patience, understanding and commitment to the democratic process, while appealing to all stakeholders to place the collective interest and future of the ADC above individual ambitions.
ADC schedules November 14 for governorship primary rerun in Karu, calls for unity
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