A political rift has erupted in Plateau State as a group under the banner of “Plateau State APC Vanguard” has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reject what it described as alleged plans by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to defect to the ruling party.

Speaking at a press briefing in Jos, Maikor Galadima, the group’s spokesman, warned that accepting Governor Mutfwang into the APC would undermine the party’s growing strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Galadima said the party has been experiencing significant gains with new political figures, including a former campaign director for Mutfwang, defecting to the APC alongside thousands of followers.

“This groundswell of support is a testament to the renewed confidence in our party’s vision, integrity, and the exemplary leadership of our current state leaders. Governor Mutfwang should remain in his party to give an account of his stewardship”.

The group also questioned Mutfwang’s political alignment with APC values, claiming he does not reflect the principles of visionary leadership and inclusive governance that the party upholds. Galadima stressed that welcoming him into the party would contradict the ongoing progress being made by APC stalwarts in Plateau State.

However, the Plateau State government swiftly pushed back, dismissing the APC Vanguard’s claims as “fantasy” and “detached from reality”.

John Akans, Special Adviser to Governor Mutfwang on Inter-Party Relations, in a statement at the weekend in Jos, stated that the governor remains firmly committed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has never considered joining the APC.

Akans further discredited the APC Vanguard, arguing the group lacks any official standing within the party and should not be viewed as a legitimate voice. “The claims made by the purported APC Vanguard are unfounded and lack credibility. Their claims are as fictional as their chances of winning elections in Plateau State,” he said.

Akans urged the APC Vanguard to focus on rebuilding their internal structures instead of engaging in what he called “laughable ignorance”.

He maintained that Governor Mutfwang is focused on fulfilling his mandate and driving development across Plateau State, while the PDP-led administration remains committed to peace, progress, and unity. (BusinessDay)