Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has revealed that President Bola Tinubu specifically extended an invite to him to decamp from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and join the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
He claimed that he had to take the action in the state’s best interests following months of deliberation and contemplation.
Mutfwang, who made the disclosure on Thursday soon after switching to the APC, claimed he did so out of respect for Tinubu, who has demonstrated a particular interest in Plateau State and its problems, rather than for personal benefit.
Caleb Mutfwang stressed that though the President had extended the invitation to him to join the APC on several occasions, he had politely declined.
“I pay my respects to President Tinubu for honouring our earlier decisions not to move to the APC and still maintaining a cordial relationship with us despite that,” he said during a meeting with political appointees and stakeholders at the Government House in Jos.
He pointed out that prominent figures, including other APC governors, had also been invited, but he remained steadfast in his choice throughout.
Also Recommended: Plateau State Goveror, Caleb Mutfwang Defects from PDP, APC Confirms
However, Governor Caleb Mutfwang claimed that the difficulties and turmoil inside the PDP at the national level were what ultimately caused him to change his mind.
“Until recently, when it became clear that the PDP at the national level has undeniable problems with its structure, the need to decamp to another party was already quieted. We have zero challenges at the state level but all our efforts are vain without a solid structure at the national level,” he said.
“The risks involved in staying back in the PDP are too high for us to carelessly gamble with the mandate Plateau people gave us. No one can tell reassuringly when and how the crisis will end, or what wins or losses could be incurred.
“Bearing in mind the emotional torture our dear people went through, we can’t, by our actions or inactions, subject ourselves to another experience like that.”
Gov. Caleb Mutfwang claimed that he could have easily moved to another party but that history had taught him that it is one thing to be voted massively, and another to make sure the votes count.
“Although we’ve had our issues with Plateau APC, we can’t deny the favour and cordiality with which the Tinubu-led administration has related with us. And since the President didn’t try to force us to join the APC before things went completely south in the PDP, it’s fair enough that we considered joining the APC.
“We have a chance to attract and be entitled to so many good things, from appointments, to favours that will richly impact Plateau. Is it really wisdom to forfeit all that? No! Already there’s good news to be announced soon. Stay tuned,” he added.
