Mutfwang’s defection to APC a betrayal of public trust –PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the defection of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a betrayal of the public mandate

Daily Trust had reported that the governor formally received his APC membership card on Friday, a day after submitting his resignation letter to the PDP.

With Mutfwang within its fold and the reported imminent defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, the APC is now in control of close to 30 states of the federation.

Reacting to the development, the PDP, through its Plateau State Publicity Secretary, Choji Felix Dalyop, said the governor’s defection amounted to a betrayal of the party’s ideals and the trust reposed in him by the electorate.

“Governor Mutfwang’s actions are a slap in the face to the people of Plateau State, who trusted him against all odds, and a betrayal of the party’s ideals. He has chosen to prioritise personal ambition over the collective welfare of the Plateau people, and this will not be taken lightly.”

The party also dismissed claims that the governor consulted it before concluding plans to defect, insisting that no such engagement took place and that the action lacked constitutional justification.

“The Party wishes to state unequivocally that it was never consulted by the governor himself concerning this matter as been alleged in some quarters; hence, there are no justifiable reasons, what so ever that would constitutionally permit such an unpopular decision of resignation, and subsequent defection to the All Progressive Congress party (APC) without automatically vacating the seat at first instance.

“Therefore, this defection is seen as an act of political opportunism that subverts the total will of the electorates, and a pursuit of personal interests over the collective good of the Plateau people, among others.”

Warning that the defection would not go unchallenged, the PDP called on residents of the state to hold the governor accountable and reject any attempt by him to seek re-election on another party’s platform.

“We urge the people of Plateau State, to therefore hold Governor Mutfwang accountable for his actions, and reject his attempts to seek re-election on the platform of the new party of his choice. Indeed, his actions will not go unchallenged.

“We also warn his new party, the APC, Plateau State chapter, against accepting him with open arms, as they will also be complicit in the betrayal of the people.

“The PDP condemns this action, which is inconsistent with the norms of trust, integrity, and accountability for which our democracy stands.”

The opposition party further urged its members and supporters to remain calm and focused, assuring that it would not be distracted by what it described as temporary setbacks.

“Therefore, we urge all our teeming members, supporters, the general public to please remain calm, resolute, and steadfast.

“The PDP remains strong, united, and focused to participate in all the elections scheduled to take place in due course.

“Be assured that the journey towards building a robust, resilient democracy on the Plateau has just started under this circumstance, and as a party, we will not be deterred by temporary setbacks orchestrated by individuals(s) lacking genuine party loyalty, and discipline as contained herein.”

Earlier, a former governor of Plateau State and PDP chieftain, Jonah David Jang, said Mutfwang’s exit would not create any vacuum within the party.

Jang, who spoke on Friday through his media consultant, Clinton Garuba, said the PDP would continue to champion good governance and the development of democracy in Plateau State and the country at large.

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