Plateau State Governor Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has revealed that his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is for the interest of Plateau State and not for his personal gain.
Governor Mutfwang who disclosed this while briefing political appointees and stakeholders at the Government House in Jos, also said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally invited him to join the ruling party and after months of consultations and personal introspection, he had make the move in the interest of the state.
Mutfwang said he did not make the move for personal gain but as a form of respect to President Tinubu, who has shown a special interest in Plateau State and its challenges.
“I pay respects to President Tinubu for honouring our earlier decisions not to move to the APC and still maintain a cordial relationship with us despite that”, he said during a meeting with political appointees and stakeholders at the Government House in Jos.
He noted that there had been a highly placed personalities, including fellow governors from the APC too, but he stood by his decision.
He however, stated that what finally changed his mind was the challenges and chaos within the PDP at the national level.
“Until recently, when it became clear that PDP at the national level has undeniable problems with its structure, the need to decamp to another party was already quieted.
“We have zero challenges at the state level but all efforts are in vain without a solid structure at the national level”, he said.
“The risks involved in staying back in the PDP are too high for us to carelessly gamble with the mandate Plateau people gave us. No one can tell reassuringly when and how the crisis will end, or what wins or losses could be incurred.
“Bearing in mind the emotional torture our dear people went through, we can’t, by our actions subject ourselves to another experience like that”, he added.
Governor Mutfwang revealed that he could have easily moved to another party but that history had taught him that it is one thing to be voted massively, and another to make sure the votes count.
-9News Nigeria.
