Why I Suddenly Changed My Mind To Leave PDP And Join APC– Governor Mutfwang

Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang has disclosed the reason for his sudden change of mind over his defection to the All Progressive Congress (APC) from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) after initial several denials.

Caleb Mutfwang officially announced his defection to the All Progressive Congress (APC) on 18th of December after several months of speculations over his political future and his constant denial of his speculated move to the APC.

Governor Mutfwang revealed that his sudden change of mind to move to the APC is due to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s several invitations to him. He explained that president Bola Ahmed Tinubu had severally sent him invitation to join the APC and that he had respectfully declined the invitation, reiterating his commitment to the People’s Democratic Party. He noted that despite his declining to join APC at president Tinubu’s several invitations, the president maintained his deep respect for the Plateau State and did not resort to tantrum.

Governor Mutfwang stated that the current development in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) which has been fractionised due to lingering leadership crisis, makes it difficult for him to remain in the PDP.

“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. We have zero challenges at the state level but all our efforts are vain without a solid structure at the national level,” he stated

He further highlighted the inherent risk involved in his remaining in the crisis ridden PDP, stating that it amounts to undeniable risks on his political future especially as he seeks reelection in 2027. He pointed out that the most concerning aspect of the PDP crisis is that no one knows when and how the crisis will end; hence, remaining in the party implies his endangering the mandate of the Plateau State people to him. He recalled the emotional crisis that trailed his emergence as the governor of Plateau State under PDP– the hesitation by the Independent National Electoral Commission to declare him the winner of the 2023 governorship election in Plateau State.

“The risks involved in staying back in the PDP are too high for us to carelessly gamble with the mandate Plateau people gave us. No one can tell reassuringly when and how the crisis will end, or what wins or losses could be incurred.

“Bearing in mind the emotional torture our dear people went through, we can’t, by our actions or inactions, subject ourselves to another experience like that.”

His defection to the APC comes barely a week after governor of Rivers state, Sim Fubara as well as governor of Taraba state, Agbu Kefas switched from the PDP to the APC.