The Plateau State Coalition for Progressive APC has renewed its appeal for Governor Caleb Mutfwang to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing him as a visionary administrator whose entry into the party would reshape Plateau’s political landscape.
The call was reiterated during a media parley held at Sharna Hotel, chaired by the coalition leader, Hon. Abdulrahman Aliyu.
Coalition: “We earnestly yearn for Mutfwang in the APC”
Speaking at the event, Hon. Aliyu said the coalition is convinced that Governor Mutfwang’s performance—particularly in peacebuilding, governance reforms, and people-focused development—makes him an invaluable asset to the APC.
“Governor Mutfwang’s alignment with the APC will represent a major political breakthrough for the party and its numerous supporters,” Aliyu said, stressing that the governor’s political machinery and public approval could significantly strengthen the party’s influence across the state.
He noted that Plateau’s executive arm remains the most influential institution in state politics, and that the governor’s defection could facilitate broader federal support, boost development prospects, and improve strategic partnerships—especially for Jos North, which he said has faced long-term political marginalization despite its loyalty to the APC.
Mixed Reactions and Ongoing Dialogue
The coalition acknowledged mixed responses to the ongoing political conversations surrounding the governor’s possible defection. This follows recent comments by the Plateau APC Chairman, who stated that while any defection must follow due process and consultation with stakeholders, politics ultimately thrives on open dialogue and negotiation.
According to the coalition, previous concerns over the governor’s limited communication with national APC leadership have eased following reported engagements with APC National Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Ganduje.
Citing Mutfwang: “We can hold hands to make Plateau greater”
Speakers also referenced past remarks by Governor Mutfwang underscoring collaboration over rivalry in Plateau politics. Quoting the governor, they highlighted:
“The position I am occupying and the position Professor Nentawe is occupying is not one versus the other. We can hold hands to make Plateau greater… If we all go in with the mindset of bringing something home, it is for the good of Plateau and its people.”
The coalition described this as evidence of the governor’s openness to unity, partnership, and collective progress beyond party lines.
Caution to Supporters: Avoid Division and Hostility
Speakers at the event urged political supporters—especially online—to refrain from divisive rhetoric, warning that political realignments should not be met with hostility.
“The internet never forgets,” one of the speakers cautioned, encouraging supporters to maintain respectful engagement as political negotiations evolve.
Coalition’s Recommendations for a Smooth Transition
To guide a peaceful and structured defection—should the governor choose to join the APC—the coalition outlined a series of recommendations:
- Structured consultations between state and national APC leadership
- Negotiated political arrangements to protect party structures and harmonize interests
- Alignment of state development priorities with shared party objectives
- A joint communication strategy to curb misinformation
- Formation of integration committees to manage entry processes and ensure fairness
The coalition said these steps would strengthen unity, stability, and effective governance across Plateau State.
APC Stalwarts Back the Call
Other APC stakeholders, including Hon. Awal Isa Uba, Hon. Suleiman Saidu Buji, and Hon. Rahama, also endorsed the appeal. They urged Governor Mutfwang to bring his leadership capacity into the APC, describing it as the beginning of a new era of political cohesion and sustainable development in the state.
