APC Challenges Governor Caleb Mutfwang to Name Those Who Pressured Him to Defect from PDP

The political atmosphere in Plateau State has heated up once again as the All Progressives Congress (APC) has challenged Governor Caleb Mutfwang to disclose the identities of those who allegedly pressured him to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling APC. The confrontation stems from recent comments by the governor, who revealed that several political figures had urged him to abandon the PDP and cross over to the APC—a move he claims to have resisted.

Governor Mutfwang’s revelation stirred political debate across the state, with many interpreting it as a subtle accusation directed at key figures within the APC. During a public address, the governor stated that he was indeed approached by certain individuals who wanted him to defect but maintained that only divine authority and the will of the people could determine such a political decision. “It is not a lie that they also put pressure on me. But I told them that only two people would authorise me to change parties. One is the God of heaven, then the other is you, the people,” he said.

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Mutfwang, who has been facing political resistance since assuming office, added that some APC leaders were “afraid” of his rising popularity and influence in Plateau politics. According to him, many APC members would have welcomed him with open arms if he had chosen to join their ranks. His remarks, however, did not sit well with the APC leadership in the state, which swiftly responded through its acting publicity secretary, Shittu Bamaiyi.

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In a strongly worded statement, Bamaiyi dismissed Mutfwang’s claims as a political distraction and a weak attempt to divert attention from his alleged failures in governance. He argued that the supposed pressure to defect would not have been a public issue if the governor had performed to the satisfaction of the people who elected him. “The noise over the governor’s defection to APC would not have arisen if he performed to the people’s satisfaction in the state,” Bamaiyi said, implying that Mutfwang’s administration had not met the expectations of Plateau citizens.

Bamaiyi further dared the governor to reveal the identities of those behind the purported pressure campaign. According to him, a leader who values transparency and integrity should not hesitate to name individuals or groups involved in such political maneuvers. “If Governor Mutfwang meant well for his supporters and the entire state, he could have courageously told those who cared to listen who was pressuring him to defect to the APC,” Bamaiyi stated.

He also described the governor’s comments as politically convenient, suggesting that they were meant to portray him as a man of integrity standing up against political manipulation. The APC spokesperson added that it was ironic for a sitting governor to claim that the opposition party was desperate for his membership when, in reality, the APC had allegedly objected to his possible defection. “Whatever may be the case, it is a big minus on the part of a sitting governor, for an opposition party to vehemently object to his joining its fold, when that party’s ultimate goal is to comfortably win the forthcoming elections,” Bamaiyi remarked.

Political analysts in Plateau have interpreted the exchange as a reflection of the tense rivalry between the ruling PDP and the APC, particularly as both parties prepare for upcoming elections. Governor Mutfwang, who came to power on the platform of the PDP after a controversial legal battle, has faced multiple challenges, including criticisms over governance, infrastructure, and insecurity in the state. His latest statement about defection pressure is seen by some as a strategic move to reaffirm his loyalty to the PDP while projecting moral authority in the face of political opposition.

Others, however, view the governor’s remarks as an indirect attempt to test the waters and gauge the public’s reaction to the idea of joining the APC in the future. The APC’s swift rebuttal suggests that the party is keen to distance itself from any suggestion that it is courting Mutfwang. The party leadership appears determined to maintain its image as a credible opposition in the state, especially as it strategizes to reclaim power in the next electoral cycle.

Meanwhile, supporters of both parties have taken to social media to trade barbs over the matter. PDP loyalists have praised Governor Mutfwang for “standing firm” and refusing to be lured by political opportunism, while APC supporters argue that his comments expose insecurity within his political camp. The debate has added another layer of intrigue to Plateau’s already complex political scene, where personal alliances often shift with the tides of power.

Observers believe that this controversy could have broader implications for inter-party relations in Plateau State. The APC’s challenge to Mutfwang may embolden the opposition to intensify scrutiny of his administration, while the governor’s defiance could rally his supporters and strengthen his control within the PDP. However, the demand for him to publicly name those who pressured him to defect remains unanswered, fueling speculation about the identities of the alleged influencers and their motives.

As the political drama unfolds, many Plateau residents are urging their leaders to focus on governance and the welfare of the people rather than engaging in endless partisan battles. The back-and-forth between Governor Mutfwang and the APC underscores the fragile balance of power in the state and highlights the enduring influence of political maneuvering in shaping public discourse. Whether the governor will eventually reveal the individuals who tried to sway him remains to be seen, but for now, the controversy continues to dominate Plateau’s political landscape.