"North-Central APC Urges Mutfwang to Steer Clear of Ethnic and Religious Sentiments"

Table of Contents

• Welcome to Governor Caleb Mutfwang
• Defection from PDP to APC
• Advice from the Forum
• Call for Unity
• Taking Charge of Administration
• Campaign Challenges
• Support for the Governor

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has warmly welcomed Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to the party, encouraging him to steer clear of religious and ethnic agendas and to collaborate closely with President Bola Tinubu.

Mutfwang recently declared his switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

The North-Central APC Forum, which spearheaded a campaign to persuade Mutfwang to join the APC, outlined a roadmap for the governor in a statement issued by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, on Monday in Abuja.

The Forum expressed its confidence in Mutfwang's ability to elevate the APC, stating that his transition to the ruling party serves the best interests of the people of Plateau.

Nonetheless, the Forum, which consists of APC stakeholders from the six North-Central states, advised the governor to distance himself from individuals in his administration who have been advocating for ethnic and religious agendas in Plateau State.

According to the statement signed by Zazzaga, a member of the APC campaign council in the 2023 election, such divisive agendas should no longer be tolerated in Mutfwang's "progressive" administration within the APC.

“We, the North-Central APC Forum, extend a warm welcome to Governor Caleb Mutfwang as he officially joins the APC family, an environment where unity, peace, and progress prevail, and where ethnic and religious differences are set aside.

“Our efforts to bring Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the APC were motivated by our desire to keep him in an atmosphere conducive to unity, away from the divisive influences of religious and ethnic differences that existed in his previous party.

“We advocated for Governor Mutfwang’s defection because we believe he has a genuine commitment to developing the state. We know he has the best interests of the people of Plateau at heart.

“However, we observed that during his time in the PDP, some officials in his administration promoted ethnic and religious differences. One of our primary reasons for encouraging his defection to the APC was to separate him from individuals with such divisive mindsets.

“Now that he is part of the APC, we urge him to carefully select and collaborate with individuals who genuinely seek the development of Plateau State, rather than those solely focused on promoting ethnic and religious agendas,” the statement emphasized.

The Forum further called on the governor to unify the people of the state and ensure inclusivity.

“He should unite the citizens of Plateau State, regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds, to ensure that the benefits of democracy reach every corner of the state.

“We urge him to work closely with the President in addressing the security challenges in the state to facilitate direct communication with security chiefs.

“He should also ensure that no ethnic nationalities, religious groups, or other segments of Plateau State are left behind. He should act as a father figure to all citizens of Plateau State and continue to uphold the heritage of the Plateau people.

“He should embrace the principles of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The North-Central APC Forum advised Mutfwang to take full control of his administration and eliminate any influences from godfathers or individuals seeking to sway his government.

The statement concluded, “He should assert control over his administration; we are aware that some individuals previously exerted undue influence. Now that he has joined the progressive party, he should govern for the benefit of the people without fear or favoritism.

“We encourage him to feel at home as a member of the APC, knowing that the people of Plateau support him wholeheartedly.”

The Forum emphasized that despite facing intimidation while advocating for Mutfwang’s transition to the APC, they remained steadfast due to their belief in the governor’s ability to deliver.

Explaining the rationale behind their campaign for Mutfwang’s defection, the Forum stated, “While promoting Governor Mutfwang's move to the APC, we encountered significant intimidation and harassment from those who feared his arrival would jeopardize their chances in the gubernatorial race. However, we persevered because we believe in his principles and are confident that his joining the APC will not only strengthen the party but also serve the best interests of the people of Plateau State.

“We know that the people of Plateau will gain from Governor Mutfwang becoming part of the APC, and we are pleased that our efforts were fruitful.

“We were the first to endorse President Bola Tinubu for another term and pledged six million votes in 2027. This commitment also influenced our decision to advocate for Governor Mutfwang’s transition to the APC because we are aware that the people of Plateau stand with him and that his presence will help realize the six million votes for Mr. President.”