By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has said that those he left behind in the People Democratic Party (PDP) are not his enemies, even though they are unhappy with his decision to leave the party.
Mutfwang stated this on Friday, January 2, shortly after picking up his All Progressives Congress (APC) membership card to formally mark his defection to the party days after the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, announced Mutfwang’s defection at the party’s 14th National Caucus meeting.
The governor said: “And those who are left behind in the PDP are not my enemies. They are my friends and my brothers. I believe that even as we journey to 2027, they may not be happy that I left, but I know they are committed to the project we started together.”
The governor also declared his commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, adding that since he met the president in 2023, he has not hidden his belief in President Tinubu’s leadership style.
He stated: “One thing I declared to the president when I first met him on the 3rd of June, 2023, is that I am committed to his presidency and committed to his re-election.
“Today, I want to affirm that I am a believer in his leadership.”
Governor Mutfwang urged those who are skeptical about his defection to the APC to have faith and be patient with him and the system, adding that things will get better with time.
The governor promised to continue to hold all those who have contributed in one way or another to his political career in high esteem, adding that no one will be left behind in his government, irrespective of political affiliation.
“So I want to call on you: this ship we are entering today has enough room for everyone. Just as you have accorded me all the privileges of a member of this party, I want you to know that I will provide leadership that gives everybody space to express themselves.
“We will respect our elders, we will cherish our women, we will encourage our young people, and all disadvantaged groups—we will make sure we carry everyone along,” he added.
In his address, the State Chairman of the APC, Rufus Bature, who issued a membership card to the governor, said the party is blessed to have the governor as a member of the party.
He said, “Having fulfilled all the requirements of the party constitution, we accord to you all the privileges as enshrined in the APC Constitution. Your card number is APC 311110100001.”
