The recent endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang by the All Progressives Congress (APC) North-Central Forum for the 2027 general elections has sparked unease and debate across political circles in Plateau State.
The development, which saw the APC forum back Tinubu of the APC and Mutfwang of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has especially drawn concern from members of the political camp aligned with former Governor Jonah Jang, known as the Redemption Camp, which later evolved into the ‘Time Is Now’ movement. The endorsement has triggered fresh speculation over Governor Mutfwang’s political alignment and his possible defection to the ruling APC.
Sources within the Jang political camp expressed surprise that such endorsements would surface during the same period the APC’s North-Central Zonal Congress was taking place, raising concerns about public perception and political messaging.
“We attended the zonal congress, and there was no mention of endorsements. The statement clearly says ‘APC North-Central Forum,’ which is distinct from the party’s official structure,” a source within the group clarified.
Commenting on the situation, former House of Representatives member under the PDP, Hon. Bitrus Kaze, said he was not surprised by the forum’s endorsement of Mutfwang, suggesting the governor’s political posture has long hinted at alignment with the APC.
He stated: “Since the Supreme Court upheld his election victory, it has been increasingly clear that Governor Mutfwang, in spirit, appears more aligned with Tinubu and the APC than with the PDP. What remains in the PDP for him may be just his physical presence.”
Kaze also questioned how the governor could remain comfortable within the PDP despite the absence of any PDP member in the Plateau State House of Assembly, including the House Speaker, who is reportedly the sole member standing for the party.
Responding to what could become of the PDP should Mutfwang eventually switch parties, Kaze said: “The issue isn’t merely about the PDP’s future in Plateau. I’ve long raised concerns about the party’s weak structure going into the 2023 elections. In truth, the PDP was only rescued by the Supreme Court’s ruling, not by its organisational strength. Whether that decision was right or wrong is a debate for another day, but it certainly defined the party’s survival.”
As of now, Governor Mutfwang has not responded publicly to the endorsement or the growing speculation surrounding his political future. Party watchers say the coming months may further clarify the governor’s trajectory ahead of the 2027 election season.
