Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, has disclosed the reason why he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Mutfwang, after months of consultations and personal reflection, he concluded that leaving the PDP was in Plateau State’s best interest.
Speaking on Thursday shortly after formally joining the APC, the governor stressed that his decision was not driven by personal gain but by respect for President Tinubu, whom he said had shown genuine interest in Plateau State and its challenges.
Mutfwang noted that although the President had repeatedly urged him to join the APC, he had previously declined.
“I respect President Tinubu for honouring our earlier decision not to move to the APC, yet still maintaining cordial relations with us,” he told political appointees and stakeholders at Government House, Jos.
He added that other influential figures, including APC governors, had approached him, but he chose to remain in the PDP until recent developments.
According to him, what finally convinced him to leave was the escalating crisis within the PDP at the national level.
“Once it became clear that the PDP at the national level has undeniable structural problems, the idea of remaining in the party no longer made sense. We have no issues at the state level, but without a solid national structure, our efforts are wasted,” he said.
He argued that remaining in the PDP posed too much risk to the mandate given to him by the people of Plateau.
“No one can say when the crisis will end or what losses it may bring. Given the emotional hardship our people endured, we cannot, by action or inaction, expose them to another round of uncertainty.”
Mutfwang said he could have defected to a different party, but political history had taught him that winning votes is one thing and ensuring they count is another.
“Although we have had disagreements with the Plateau APC, we cannot deny the goodwill and cooperation shown by the Tinubu administration. Since the President did not force us to join before the PDP situation deteriorated, it is only fair that we consider joining the APC.
“We now have an opportunity to attract appointments, support and benefits that will positively impact Plateau. Would it be wise to forfeit that? Certainly not. There is already good news on the way, stay tuned,” he added.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.