Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has dismissed rumours suggesting he plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that only God and the people of Plateau can influence such a decision.

Speaking at an event held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Jos, over the weekend, Mutfwang confirmed that some political figures had been pressuring him to join the ruling APC but insisted he had no intention of doing so.

“It is true that they have been putting pressure on me,” the governor said. “But I told them that only two people can authorise me to change my party one is the God of heaven, and the other is you, the people. Have you asked me to go anywhere?” he asked, drawing a loud “No!” from the audience.

His statement follows the Plateau APC’s denial of reports about his supposed defection. During a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, party members reportedly rejected any proposal to welcome the governor into their fold through a unanimous voice vote.

Reacting to the development, Mutfwang said those opposing his rumoured defection were acting out of fear. “Those who are rejecting me for what I didn’t even ask for are wasting their time,” he stated. “The truth is that 60 to 70 percent of the people in the APC in Plateau would be happy to have us join them. They know I will not do that, and that’s why they’re angry and twisting things.”

He ended his remarks on a light note, saying, “It’s a story for another day,” indicating he would not dwell further on the issue.

The clarification comes amid a spate of defections from the PDP since the 2023 general elections, with governors such as Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Peter Mbah (Enugu) reportedly moving to the APC.

Meanwhile, the Plateau APC has reiterated that it remains focused on rebuilding its structure and strengthening its base ahead of the 2027 general elections, dismissing any rumours of an alliance with the governor.