Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has resigned from Nigeria’s main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), clearing the way for him to formally join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a letter addressed to the PDP chairman of Ampang West Ward in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Mutfwang thanked the party for providing him a platform to participate in the democratic process and acknowledged the support of party leaders, members and supporters at all levels.
The development came after months of speculation over the move.
He said, “Given the realities of the moment, and guided by my commitment to purposeful leadership, clarity of direction and service delivery, I am compelled to seek an alternative political platform,” the letter said.
Sources familiar with the matter said the governor has directed political aides who intend to defect with him, including commissioners, advisers and other appointees, to resign their positions on or before next Wednesday in their respective wards.
The APC has not yet formally announced Mutfwang’s defection.
When the move to APC is confirmed, Muftwang would join a long list of over 8 governors, including Peter Mbah (Anambra), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Agbo Kefas (Taraba), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa), who have left the PDP for APC.
PDP, the oldest in the present political dispensation, once controlled over 70% of Nigeria’s 36 states, but it is currently left with Bauchi, Adamawa, and Oyo states. Osun State Governor Adeleke recently left the party for AD.
