A stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State, Comrade Joel Zilani, has faulted the explanations offered by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, regarding rumours of the possible defection of Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State to the APC.

While reaffirming that Governor Mutfwang remains a committed member of the PDP and is not seeking refuge in any other political party, the PDP stalwart nonetheless described Yilwatda’s statements as inconsistent and an example of double-speak.

Zilani spoke in reaction to Professor Yilwatda’s claim that APC leaders were not against Governor Mutfwang joining the APC.

Yilwatda, speaking through his Personal Assistant, Kevin Pankshin, had dismissed reports that a motion was passed to bar Governor Mutfwang from the APC. However, in the same breath, he alleged that some APC chieftains who lost their jobs following the PDP’s emergence in 2023 were the ones opposed to the governor’s defection to the party.

Questioning the assertions made by Professor Yilwatda, the PDP chieftain accused him of succumbing to pressure and engaging in political contradiction.

“We all know who presided over the meeting they held on Friday, October 17 in Jos, where the motion was moved to stop Governor Mutfwang from joining them in the APC,” Zilani said. “The only truth the chairman told was that Mutfwang has not said he is joining. As of today, I am not aware that the governor has expressed interest in leaving the PDP. But for a chairman who presided over a meeting to stop the governor from joining them to now deny his role in panic exposes him as someone who cannot stand under pressure.”

Zilani further expressed disappointment over what he described as Yilwatda’s contradictory remarks, pointing out that the APC chairman had also admitted that some of those who lost their jobs when the PDP took power were among those opposed to the governor.

“It is easy to see the inconsistencies in the words and actions of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda,” he continued.

“The only true thing in his explanation is that Mutfwang has not approached anyone to defect. I believe the chairman and his close allies are simply afraid and in panic over the growing political influence of Governor Mutfwang, who can win elections under any platform he chooses.”