Introduction to the Controversy
The North-Central All Progressives Congress Forum has rejected a resolution passed by APC leaders in Plateau State against accepting Governor Caleb Mutfwang into the party. This development comes after the Plateau APC leaders endorsed a motion opposing Mutfwang’s possible defection to the APC at a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos on October 17, 2025.
Background to the Resolution
The motion was moved by former Deputy National Secretary, Barrister Festus Fuanter, following earlier calls by the North-Central APC Forum on Mutfwang to join the APC. The North-Central APC Forum comprises APC stakeholders from the North-Central states and has been vocal about its desire to see Mutfwang leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC.
Reaction from the North-Central APC Forum
Reacting to the position of the Plateau APC leaders, the North-Central APC Forum stated that those opposed to Mutfwang’s defection to the APC are doing so for selfish reasons and not in the interest of the party. In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, the Forum restated its call on Mutfwang to leave the PDP, which it described as a drowning party.
Allegations of Selfish Motives
The Forum noted that its members in Plateau State were not invited to the stakeholders’ meeting where the resolution to block Mutfwang’s defection to the APC was passed. Rather, it said the majority of the “so-called Plateau APC stakeholders” who passed the resolution are individuals who could not deliver their polling units for the APC during the last election but are now positioning themselves for federal appointments in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Specific Examples of Inconsistency
The Forum specifically observed that the APC governorship running mate in the state in the 2023 election lost both his polling unit and ward to the PDP, but is currently among those spearheading opposition to Mutfwang joining the party. This inconsistency, according to the Forum, highlights the selfish motives behind the opposition to Mutfwang’s potential defection.
Call for Merit-Based Appointments
Parts of the statement read, “It is not just about gathering to reject Governor Caleb Mutfwang. The real issue is who can win the governorship seat for the party? Among those so-called stakeholders that gathered to reject Governor Mutfwang, only a few are genuine, capable party members. It is not about selecting people from some ethnic nationalities for federal appointment. The question is, are they going to deliver? We are agitating for people to come into the party and add value, but they are opposing this course due to their own personal interests.”
Defense of Governor Mutfwang
The North-Central APC Forum suggested that appointments and other rewards within the party should be based on performance in elections. The Forum also came to Mutfwang’s defense after the governor claimed he was under pressure to join the APC, stating that it was indeed true that the governor is under pressure to join the APC, with calls backed by certain influential figures in the Presidential Villa.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s potential defection to the APC highlights deeper issues within the party, including selfish motivations and performance in elections. The North-Central APC Forum’s stance on the matter emphasizes the need for the party to focus on winning elections and adding value rather than personal interests. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the APC will navigate these challenges and whether Governor Mutfwang will eventually join the party.
FAQs
- Q: Why is the North-Central APC Forum calling for Governor Caleb Mutfwang to join the APC?
A: The Forum believes that Mutfwang’s defection would add value to the party and improve its chances of winning elections in Plateau State. - Q: Who opposed Mutfwang’s potential defection to the APC?
A: The opposition came from Plateau APC leaders, who passed a resolution against accepting Mutfwang into the party at a stakeholders’ meeting. - Q: What are the allegations against those opposing Mutfwang’s defection?
A: The North-Central APC Forum alleges that the opposition is motivated by selfish reasons, including personal interests in federal appointments, rather than the interest of the party. - Q: Is it true that Governor Mutfwang is under pressure to join the APC?
A: Yes, according to the North-Central APC Forum, Mutfwang is under pressure to join the APC, with influential figures in the Presidential Villa backing the calls for his defection.
