The Plateau State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rufus Bature, has offered a clear explanation for why the party has not admitted Governor Caleb Mutfwang, amidst persistent rumors of his planned defection.
Recently, various political factions in Plateau State have held public events, either endorsing or vehemently opposing the Governor’s rumored switch to the APC. Key party figures, including National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, have openly rejected the prospect.
Governor Mutfwang has consistently denied claims that he intends to leave his current party, suggesting instead that it is APC members who have been pressing him to join their fold.
Addressing the issue, Bature stated that the Governor must adhere to the standard procedure required of any defector.
He advised, “The governor should follow the proper channel. Let him consult with the leaders of the party first. We have leaders at the national level, he should meet with them.”
According to Bature, acceptance into the party necessitates mutual agreement and discussion: “There must be negotiations, give-and-take, for us to accept him. Let him come in a proper way. That is all we are saying.”
Bature added that the APC needs transparency regarding the Governor’s objectives. He explained, “Politics is about dialogue and negotiations. If the terms and conditions are good for the party, they will accept him. But if we don’t know his intentions for coming into the party, that is where the issue arises.”
This lack of clarity, he noted, is why various groups are publicly speaking either in support of or against the potential defection. The report concludes by noting that beyond the reported conditions set for him, Governor Mutfwang had not personally communicated any decision to join the APC national chairman at the time the story was filed
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