JOS – Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has stated that his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was motivated by the need to secure the interests of Plateau State, not for personal gain.
The Governor made this disclosure during a briefing with political appointees and stakeholders at the Government House in Jos on Tuesday.
Governor Mutfwang revealed that President Bola Tinubu had personally and repeatedly invited him to join the ruling party. After months of consultation and reflection, he said the decision became necessary for the state's welfare.
“I pay my respects to President Tinubu for honouring our earlier decisions not to move to the APC and still maintaining a cordial relationship with us despite that,” Mutfwang stated.
He noted that other high-ranking APC figures, including fellow governors, had also urged him to defect, but he had initially declined.
The Governor attributed his change of heart primarily to the protracted and unresolved internal crisis within the PDP at the national level.
“Until recently, when it became clear that the PDP at the national level has undeniable problems with its structure, the need to decamp to another party was already quieted,” he explained. “We have zero challenges at the state level, but all our efforts are in vain without a solid structure at the national level.”
Mutfwang emphasized that remaining in the PDP posed a significant risk to the mandate given to him by the people of Plateau.
“The risks involved in staying back in the PDP are too high for us to carelessly gamble with,” he said. “No one can tell reassuringly when and how the crisis will end, or what wins or losses could be incurred.”
He added that the state could not afford to subject its citizens to further political uncertainty.
While acknowledging past disagreements with the Plateau State APC, the Governor praised the Tinubu administration’s “favour and cordiality” towards his government. He stated that the President's patience and lack of pressure made the decision to join the APC a fair consideration.
“We have a chance to attract and be entitled to so many good things, from appointments to favours that will richly impact Plateau. Is it really wisdom to forfeit all that? No!” Mutfwang said.
He hinted at imminent positive developments for the state, concluding, “Already there’s good news to be announced soon. Stay tuned.”
0 Comments