Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has dismissed speculation that he intends to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), labeling the claims as “baseless and misleading.”
During a recent media chat, Mutfwang firmly stated that he has not engaged in any discussions about leaving the PDP.
“I haven’t had that conversation with anyone,” he said. “There’s been a lot of speculation in the media, but none of it is true.”
The rumour emerges amid a wave of defections from the PDP to the APC by governors from other states, including Delta and Akwa Ibom. However, Mutfwang maintained that Plateau State remains firmly aligned with the PDP.
“Plateau has consistently supported the PDP. The APC has never truly taken root here, and I say that confidently,” he stated.
He attributed the rumours to certain individuals and groups advancing their own interests.
“Some may have good intentions, but they’re simply misguided,” he added.
Reflecting on previous elections in the state, Mutfwang accused the APC of manipulating results to seize power.
“In 2015, collation was halted at 8 p.m., with plans to resume the next day. Yet by 2 a.m., results were already announced. That says a lot,” he said.
He also asserted that the PDP’s 2019 governorship candidate, General Jeremiah Usaini, was the rightful winner, but the system failed to recognize it.
According to Mutfwang, many APC leaders in the state lack public trust and are seeking validation through associations with the PDP.
“Some of them hope our credibility will rub off on them. But politics in Plateau doesn’t work like that,” he said.
He pledged his loyalty to the PDP, emphasizing that his political future lies in the hands of God and the people of Plateau State.
“My political journey is guided by divine will and the choice of the Plateau people. Wherever they go, I go.”
On internal challenges within the PDP, Mutfwang acknowledged recent setbacks, including the loss of legislative seats through court rulings. However, as a member of the party’s national reconciliation committee, he expressed hope for resolution.
“I remain a committed member of the PDP and I believe that very soon, the crisis within the party will be behind us,” he concluded.