Introduction to the Crisis
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing fresh internal wrangling as the North-Central Forum challenges Plateau leaders over moves to block Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s possible defection. The Forum faulted a resolution passed at a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos on October 17, 2025, where party leaders, led by former Deputy National Secretary Festus Fuanter, endorsed a motion rejecting Mutfwang’s entry into the APC.
Background to the Defection
The North-Central APC Forum, which comprises stakeholders from across the North-Central states, had earlier urged the Plateau governor to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Reacting to the resolution, the Forum accused those opposing Mutfwang’s defection of acting out of selfish motives. The Forum claimed that its members in Plateau were excluded from the stakeholders’ meeting where the anti-Mutfwang resolution was passed.
Allegations of Selfish Motives
According to the Forum, most of those who endorsed the resolution “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.” The Forum alleged that the APC governorship running mate in Plateau during the 2023 election lost both his polling unit and ward to the PDP, yet is now among those leading the opposition to Mutfwang’s defection.
Call for Defection
The Forum reiterated its appeal to Mutfwang to dump what it described as a “drowning” PDP. The Forum suggested that political appointments and rewards in the party should be based on electoral performance. “Those rushing to Abuja for federal appointments should show the results from their polling units. In fact, we promise President Bola Tinubu that after the next election, we will publish the results from different polling units so that he will know who is who,” the statement added.
Pressure from the Presidential Villa
The North-Central APC Forum maintained that Mutfwang’s claim of being under pressure to join the APC was true, insisting that the pressure on him to defect is being supported by influential figures in the Presidential Villa. “It is true that Governor Mutfwang has been under pressure to join the APC. We can confirm this because some influential figures in the Presidential Villa are behind our calls on him to come to the APC,” the statement said.
Accusations of Divisive Politics
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, to caution the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, over his political activities in Zamfara State. Shinkafi warned that the APC risked another electoral defeat in Zamfara in 2027 if Matawalle failed to desist from what he described as “divide-and-rule politics”.
Party Reaction
The North-West zonal office of the APC advised Shinkafi to channel his grievances through the party’s internal mechanisms. Reacting to Shinkafi’s allegations, the APC Zonal Publicity Secretary, Musa Mailafiya Mada, said the party was embarrassed by the attempt to drag President Tinubu into an issue that could be handled internally. Mada noted that the party set up a committee to review Shinkafi’s claims and discovered that most of his grievances appeared personal.
Call for Unity
Mada urged Shinkafi to use the existing party structures to express his concerns, noting that committees had been established at the state, zonal, and national levels to handle members’ grievances. He appealed to former Zamfara State Governor and APC leader, Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima, to intervene in the rift. Mada reminded party members that internal disputes should not be taken to the media, adding that the APC leadership in the North-West had “zero tolerance for indiscipline” but would remain fair and just.
Conclusion
The APC is facing internal challenges as different factions and interests vie for control. The North-Central Forum’s call for Governor Mutfwang to defect to the APC has been met with resistance from some party leaders in Plateau State. Meanwhile, accusations of divisive politics have been leveled against Minister Matawalle in Zamfara State. The party must navigate these challenges to present a united front ahead of future elections.
FAQs
- What is the North-Central Forum’s stance on Governor Mutfwang’s possible defection to the APC?
The North-Central Forum is in support of Governor Mutfwang’s defection to the APC, citing the PDP as a "drowning" party. - Who is accused of acting out of selfish motives in opposing Mutfwang’s defection?
The Forum accused those who endorsed the resolution opposing Mutfwang’s defection of acting out of selfish motives, citing their poor electoral performance in the last election. - What is the alleged role of the Presidential Villa in Mutfwang’s defection?
The North-Central APC Forum maintained that influential figures in the Presidential Villa are behind the pressure on Mutfwang to defect to the APC. - What are the accusations against Minister Matawalle in Zamfara State?
Minister Matawalle is accused of engaging in "divide-and-rule politics" in Zamfara State, which could lead to the APC’s defeat in the 2027 election. - How has the APC responded to the allegations against Minister Matawalle?
The APC has advised the accuser, Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, to channel his grievances through the party’s internal mechanisms and has set up a committee to review his claims.
