Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has dismissed speculations of a planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the rumours as baseless and politically driven.

During a media chat, Mutfwang reaffirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that leaving the party would amount to betraying the mandate of Plateau citizens.

“I haven’t had that conversation [of leaving PDP for APC] with anyone. The media has speculated a lot, but nothing has happened,” he said.

The governor’s remarks come amid a wave of high-profile defections from the PDP, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, both of whom recently joined the APC along with their state party structures.

In Plateau, public calls from APC factions urging Mutfwang to defect have further stoked the rumour mill. But the governor stood firm, saying the APC has no real political roots in the state.

“There are two or three groups peddling that rumour. One group is well-intentioned they know the APC has never really existed on the Plateau. They’ve been in government by fraud for the past eight years.”

Recalling previous elections, Mutfwang accused the APC of rigging and backdoor victories in 2015 and 2019.

“In 2015, the APC didn’t win. There was anger in the PDP that led to anti-party activities. Even then, the APC did not win. I was a local government chairman. We adjourned collation at 8 p.m., but by 2 a.m., results had already been declared.”

He added that the PDP’s 2019 governorship candidate, General Jeremiah Usaini (rtd.), was the rightful winner, but “shenanigans in the system” altered the result.

Responding to APC members who claim Mutfwang’s credibility would strengthen their party, he replied:

“The majority of those who have led APC in Plateau carry a trust deficit. There are genuine APC members who wish we could lend our credibility to them. But Plateau politics doesn’t work like that.”

He emphasized that the people of Plateau have consistently backed the PDP.

“That’s why I’ve always said my political future will be decided by God and the people of Plateau State. Wherever Plateau people go, that’s where we go. I am a bona fide member of the PDP. I remain so.”

Mutfwang also addressed the legal setbacks that cost the PDP all its legislative seats in Plateau through Appeal Court rulings, but assured that reconciliation efforts have begun.

As a member of the PDP national reconciliation committee, he stated:

“The PDP is now united. I’m optimistic that very soon, the crisis will be a thing of the past.”