Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has responded to charges made by some political personalities in the state that he betrayed the people by abandoning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor argued that what he did was not a betrayal, but rather an alignment with the ruling party for the benefit of the people who elected him in 2023.
Mutfwang has faced harsh criticism since his official declaration for the APC on January 27, with some claiming he betrayed the people of his state for personal political survival.
However, at an interactive session with journalists at the Government House in Jos on Saturday, the governor stated that his move had been misrepresented because he made the choice in the best interests of the state.
He stated that the PDP has become a party in turmoil, with no viable solution to its problems in sight.
Mutfwang stated that he had no intention of abandoning the PDP despite strong pressure, including President Bola Tinubu personally reaching out to him, but the difficulties inside the PDP eventually convinced him that aligning with the APC was the best option and platform to be on in 2027.
“For 2027, I needed a platform.” When I looked at it and realised that the PDP was unlikely to become a viable platform by 2027, I had to consider another option. “The options were to look for a new political party or to accept the President’s invitation,” the governor stated.
“When I conducted my own intelligence gathering on the situation of political parties in Nigeria, I discovered that responding to the President was less perilous than considering a new platform. I’ve never believed in the ADC’s gladiators, for example, and I didn’t see that as an option for me.”
Speaking on why the state’s alignment with the APC will ultimately benefit its people, Mutfwang stated that the developments witnessed in the state in terms of education, security, agriculture, and other sectors while he was in the PDP would only be accelerated with the state’s alignment with the ruling party.
“As I stated during my speech at the reception on January 27, the people of Plateau State should expect more development now that we are in the APC. They should expect further collaboration, enhancement, and support as we continue what we’ve started.
“To be honest, we have not witnessed animosity from the federal government. I believe I’ve had a good working relationship with the federal government over the last year or so.
“Plateau State is emerging as the North Central’s crown jewel. I believe that all of the potential for harvesting votes on the Plateau will be developed so that we may deliver on the promise and produce that we possess.”
Gov. Mutfwang closed by stating that Plateau voters are rational and understand when to trust their leader’s decision.
“Many people may not be current APC members, but they have demonstrated a commitment to accompanying us wherever we travel. In the end, voter support is more important than party membership.
“Since we decided to go over, we’ve been engaging the grassroots. Many of them simply wanted to speak with us and understand why we made our decision. Leaders from various faiths and ethnicities have come to recognise the rationale.”