Politics
Mixed Reactions Trail APC North-Central Forum’s Endorsement of Tinubu, Mutfwang for 2027
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.
The member representing Bichi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, has urged residents of Bichi Federal Constituency in Kano State to vote for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, warning that ongoing development projects could be abandoned if the president is not re-elected.
Bichi said many of the projects being executed in Bichi and other parts of Kano were made possible through the support and approval of the federal government.
He spoke on Monday during the inauguration of the Bichi chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general election.
“If you vote for me and do not vote for President Tinubu, there is a problem. Most of these development projects are coming to Bichi and Kano through his consent; there's no other magic,” he said.
The lawmaker said a member of the National Assembly could not execute major development projects without the support and approval of the executive arm of government.
“No matter how a representative wants to work, without the approval of the executive, he cannot do it. If you don't vote for Tinubu, all these ongoing projects will be abandoned,” he added.
Bichi said the development recorded in the constituency over the last seven and a half years would have been difficult for many people to imagine in 2019.
According to him, the projects were part of efforts to change the attitude of residents towards elections and encourage them to participate in the democratic process.
He said some people previously refused to vote because they believed their votes did not count and did not see the impact of elected officials' work.
Bichi urged residents to support the APC in 2027, calling on Bichi residents and Kano North, which has 1.3 million registered voters, to deliver not less than 1 million votes for the party.
He also expressed support for Tinubu, saying the president had demonstrated commitment to the North through development projects.
“Tinubu loves the North. If he did not, he would not be doing all these things,” he said.
Bichi also referred to former President Muhammadu Buhari's emergence as president in 2015, saying Tinubu played an important role in the process.
On insecurity, the lawmaker acknowledged that residents remained concerned about the situation but said there had been a gradual improvement.
He cited the Kaduna-Abuja road as an example, claiming that insecurity along the route had reduced.
Also, speaking, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, called on members of the APC in Bichi to promote peaceful campaigns, inclusive governance and grassroots participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Yusuf, represented by his Deputy, Murtala Sule Garo, said Nigeria was recovering from its challenges, noting that the process of healing could come with pain.
“The country has been seriously injured and is in the process of recovery. For a wound to heal, it has to pass through pain,” he said.
Ongoing projects may be abandoned if you dont vote Tinubu – Kano Rep, Bichi
There was a mild drama live on air as Arise TV presenter, Rufai Oseni and the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka clashed over the remarks of President Bola Tinubu in Kaduna and Nigeria’s economic conditions.
The heated argument started when Oseni questioned Morka about the current state of Nigeria’s economy under the administration of President Tinubu.
Responding, Morka defended President Tinubu’s remarks at a campaign rally in Kaduna, insisting that there was nothing wrong with what the President said.
According to Morka, all President Tinubu needed to do in Kaduna was show up and tell people to support him again.
Morka further stated that the Kaduna rally was not a policy summit or dialogue where President Tinubu was expected to deliver a policy speech to appease what he described as "opposition tribesmen dressed as journalists."
But Oseni insisted that Morka was dodging the real question about the hardship Nigerians are facing.
During the heated exchange, Rufai told Morka that he had yet to answer his question about the current state of Nigeria’s economy, adding that he should respond whenever he was ready to answer.
"You are yet to answer my question about the current state of Nigeria's economy. Respond whenever you are ready to answer," Rufai told Morka.
Arise TV anchor, Rufai Oseni, APC Felix Morka clash over Tinubu
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