By People’s Post
A group of pioneer members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the banner of the Concerned Plateau APC Legacy Members, has cautioned against what it described as “shameful and counterproductive attempts” by some party individuals to resist the alleged defection plans of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
Addressing Journalists at the NUJ Press Jos, on Friday, the group—whose membership dates back to the formation of the APC in 2013—faulted recent protests purportedly rejecting Governor Mutfwang, insisting the demonstrations do not represent the views of genuine party stakeholders in Plateau State.
They alleged that those orchestrating the protests were “disgruntled individuals” acting without any mandate from recognised party structures or leaders.
“Blocking Mutfwang Not in APC’s Interest”
The group argued that the APC has historically grown through the strategic admission of influential politicians, including sitting governors, noting that the party has on several occasions organized elaborate receptions for defectors from various states.
They questioned why the same party would expend resources to attract new members while simultaneously allowing 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 organized grand receptions for defectors would allow some persons to stage protests aimed at preventing Governor Mutfwang from joining,” the group said, adding that Mutfwang would be “the biggest political catch the APC has recorded in Plateau since 2013” if the defection happens.
The legacy members urged the APC leadership to investigate and sanction those behind the anti-defection protests, warning that failure to act could fuel suspicions of internal sabotage capable of weakening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They maintained that Governor Mutfwang’s political influence, state-wide network, and cordial relationship with President Bola Tinubu’s administration would be major assets to the APC should he decide to join.
According to the group, the improved goodwill that President Tinubu currently enjoys in Plateau is partly due to the “mutual relationship” between the governor and the Presidency. They warned, however, that goodwill alone does not guarantee electoral victory for the APC in 2027, urging party members against complacency.
“The idea that APC can win Plateau in 2027 without strengthening its ranks is politically naïve. Every experienced politician knows the value of additional strength,” they stated.
The group further highlighted federal appointments and projects that Plateau has benefited from under the Tinubu administration—including the establishment of the North Central Development Commission, a federal university of education, and the APC national chairmanship—as examples of the state’s strategic alignment with the ruling party.
Reacting to criticisms that Governor Mutfwang’s past political statements or the dismissal of 4,000 workers in tertiary institutions should disqualify him from joining the APC, the group dismissed such views as “petty” and “misplaced.”
They encouraged the governor to compassionately revisit the cases of the affected workers but cautioned against using governance decisions as tools for political exclusion.
The APC Legacy Members concluded by openly supporting the prospect of Governor Mutfwang joining the ruling party, saying his entry would boost both the party’s political fortunes and Plateau State’s visibility at the national level.
“As foundational members of the APC, we join genuine lovers of the party in urging Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to come onboard. His entry would further elevate Plateau State and strengthen the party ahead of 2027,” they stated.
