The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has explained that his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not a betrayal of the people of the state who gave him their mandate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but a strategic move to align with the ruling party for the benefit of the state and the people.
Gov. Mutfwang who made the clarification at a grand reception organized in his honour on Tuesday after he was formally received into the APC at the Jos Polo Field, stressed that his decision as always, was anchored on the “ideals of unity, peace, and prosperity as envisioned by the founding fathers of Plateau State.”
Mutfwang explained that before he arrived at the decision, he had held wide-ranging consultations with key political figures in the state, and coupled with persuasions from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatde, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, amongst others, had to make the painful decision of moving to the APC so that the state can also benefit from the center.
“Plateau State was founded on the principle of collective destiny, where people are united by a shared purpose irrespective of religious, ethnic, or political differences,” the governor said while explaining his decision.
“My move to the ruling party is aimed at adding greater value to governance, repositioning the state for sustainable growth, and aligning Plateau State with President Tinubu’s economic reforms and welfare-driven policies.
“I have confidence in the President’s leadership and I deeply appreciate the people of Plateau State for the trust and support accorded him since assuming office in 2023. We will not betray that confidence and we promise to usher in an era of peace, unity, and prosperity across the state.”
In his remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima described Governor Mutfwang’s defection as a wise and courageous decision that would deepen unity, foster progress, and strengthen collaboration between the Plateau State Government and the Federal Government.
The Vice President commended the Governor’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in Plateau State and described the state as a producer of great leaders who have contributed immensely to national development.
He announced that construction work on the Jos–Akwanga Road would commence within three weeks and disclosed plans to engage 1,000 youths as forest guards as part of efforts to strengthen security in the state.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the Governor’s decision as timely and strategic, urging party leaders and members to shun divisive tendencies and work together for the collective interest of the people.
