Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally invited him to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Gossip News Now reports that the governor made the revelation on Thursday shortly after officially joining the APC.
Mutfwang explained that the President had extended the invitation multiple times, which he initially declined out of respect for his political convictions.
“I pay my respects to President Tinubu for honouring our earlier decision not to move to the APC and still maintaining a cordial relationship with us despite that,” Mutfwang said during a meeting with political appointees and stakeholders at the Government House in Jos.
He disclosed that several influential figures, including APC governors, had also encouraged him to switch parties. Despite the pressure, Mutfwang remained loyal to the PDP until recent developments compelled him to reconsider.
The governor cited structural challenges within the PDP at the national level as a key factor in his decision to leave.
“Until recently, the PDP at the national level has undeniable structural problems. Our efforts at the state level are meaningless without a solid national framework,” he said.
Mutfwang noted that the risks of remaining in the PDP had become too great to ignore.
“The risks involved in staying back in the PDP are too high for us to gamble carelessly with the mandate Plateau people gave us,” he said.
He added that his administration could not expose Plateau residents to another period of political uncertainty.
“Considering the emotional strain our people endured in past crises, we cannot, through action or inaction, subject them to a repeat experience,” he stated.
The governor emphasized that electoral victories are only part of the challenge in governance.
“History has taught me that it is one thing to be voted massively, and another to ensure those votes count,” he said.
Mutfwang stressed that his decision was not for personal gain but out of respect for President Tinubu and the manner in which his administration has engaged Plateau State.
“Although we have had issues with Plateau APC, we cannot ignore the courtesy and cooperation extended to us by the Tinubu-led administration,” he said.
He noted that since the President did not coerce him into joining the APC during the PDP crisis, considering the ruling party became reasonable.
The governor concluded that joining the APC would allow Plateau State to benefit more from federal appointments and initiatives.
“We have the opportunity to attract resources and benefits that will positively impact Plateau. Is it wise to forfeit that? No!” he said.
