By Shikmuut Bawa, Jos
A coalition of pioneer members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the banner of Concerned Plateau APC Legacy Members, has cautioned against what it describes as “shameful and counterproductive attempts” by certain party actors to resist the alleged defection plans of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
Speaking at the NUJ Press Centre in Jos on Friday, the group—whose membership dates back to the APC’s formation in 2013—faulted the recent protests rejecting Governor Mutfwang, insisting the demonstrations do not reflect the position of genuine party stakeholders.
They accused the organisers of being “disgruntled individuals” acting without any mandate from recognised party structures or leaders.
“Blocking Mutfwang Not in APC’s Interest”
The group noted that the APC has historically expanded by admitting influential political figures, including sitting governors, with elaborate receptions often held to welcome defectors from various states.
They questioned why the party would invest heavily in attracting new members, yet allow protests aimed at blocking a sitting governor—particularly one from the home state of its National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
“It is perplexing that the same party that recently organised grand receptions for defectors would permit protests to block Governor Mutfwang from joining,”
the group said, adding that the governor would be “the biggest political catch the APC has recorded in Plateau since 2013” if the defection materialises.
The legacy members urged the APC leadership to investigate and sanction those behind the anti-defection protests, warning that failure to do so could deepen internal sabotage and weaken the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
They described Governor Mutfwang’s political reach, state-wide networks, and cordial ties with the Tinubu administration as strategic assets that could enhance the APC’s standing in Plateau State.
According to them, President Bola Tinubu’s growing goodwill in the state is partly due to his “mutual relationship” with Governor Mutfwang. However, they stressed that goodwill alone cannot guarantee the APC victory in 2027 without strengthening its ranks.
Plateau’s Federal Gains Highlighted
The group cited recent federal appointments and projects under the Tinubu administration—such as the creation of the North Central Development Commission, the Federal University of Education, and the APC National Chairmanship—as proof of Plateau’s strategic alignment with the centre.
Reacting to claims that Mutfwang’s past political statements or the dismissal of about 4,000 tertiary institution workers should disqualify him from joining the APC, they dismissed such arguments as “petty and misplaced.”
They advised the governor to compassionately revisit the cases of the affected workers but warned against using governance decisions as political weapons.
Concluding, the APC Legacy Members openly endorsed the prospect of Governor Mutfwang joining the ruling party.
“As foundational members of the APC, we urge Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to come onboard. His entry would elevate Plateau State’s national visibility and strengthen our party ahead of 2027.” Follow www.krestnews.com