Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has denied rumours that he is planning to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He described the reports as “unfounded and misleading.”
Speaking during a media chat, the governor made it clear that he has not had any discussions about leaving the PDP.
“I haven’t had that conversation [of leaving PDP for APC] with anyone,” Mutfwang said.
“The media has speculated a lot, but nothing has happened.”
The rumour comes at a time when some PDP governors from other states, like Delta and Akwa Ibom, have defected to the APC.
But Mutfwang insisted that Plateau has remained loyal to the PDP.
“Plateau has always stood with the PDP. The APC has never really existed on the Plateau. I say that with every sense of responsibility.”
He blamed the speculation on a few groups pushing their own agenda.
“Some of them mean well but are mistaken,” he added.
Mutfwang also reflected on past elections in the state.
He accused the APC of gaining power in the state through what he called electoral manipulation.
“In 2015, we paused collation at 8 p.m. and planned to continue the next morning. But by 2 a.m., results had already been announced. That tells you everything,” he said.
He also claimed the PDP’s 2019 candidate, General Jeremiah Usaini, was the true winner but was denied victory by the system.
The governor said many APC leaders in Plateau suffer from a lack of public trust and that some of them are only looking to gain respect by associating with the PDP.
“Some APC members wish we could validate them with our credibility. But Plateau politics doesn’t work that way.”
He promised to remain with the PDP, noting that his political future depends on the will of God and the people of Plateau.
“My political future will be decided by God and the people of Plateau State,” he said. “Wherever Plateau people go, that’s where we go.”
On the PDP’s internal issues, Mutfwang admitted there were challenges, especially with the loss of some legislative seats through court rulings. But as a member of the party’s national reconciliation team, he said progress has been made.
“I am a bona fide member of the PDP. I remain so. And I’m very optimistic that very soon, the PDP crisis will be a thing of the past,” the governor said.
