Paragraph 1: The Genesis of the Controversy
The political landscape of Plateau State has been recently embroiled in a heated controversy stemming from an unexpected endorsement of the incumbent Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, by a faction within the All Progressives Congress (APC). Governor Mutfwang, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), found himself at the center of this intra-party squabble when the North-Central APC Forum, under the leadership of Saleh Zazzaga, publicly declared its support for his second term bid in the 2027 gubernatorial elections. This endorsement was further amplified by a call for Mutfwang to defect to the APC, a move that ignited immediate and fierce opposition from within the party ranks. The Zazzaga-led faction justified their stance by highlighting Mutfwang’s perceived good performance and his alleged alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s policies. This surprising endorsement, however, set the stage for a bitter internal conflict within the APC, exposing deep divisions and raising questions about the future direction of the party in the state.
Paragraph 2: The Rationale Behind the Endorsement
The North-Central APC Forum, in a statement released after an expanded stakeholders’ meeting, elaborated on their reasons for endorsing Governor Mutfwang. They claimed that Mutfwang’s governance had been effective and beneficial for the state, transcending party lines. Their endorsement extended beyond the governorship, as they also declared their support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing his "exceptional performance." Furthermore, the forum embraced the "Green Cap Movement," a political symbol associated with Governor Mutfwang, signaling their intent to actively campaign for his re-election. This decision, they argued, was driven by a belief in prioritizing good governance over partisan politics. They presented their endorsement of Mutfwang as a pragmatic choice aimed at ensuring continued progress in Plateau State, irrespective of party affiliations.
Paragraph 3: The Backlash and Accusations of Sabotage
The endorsement of Governor Mutfwang sparked immediate and vociferous backlash from another faction within the APC, the APC Like Minds Political Forum. This group condemned the Zazzaga-led faction’s decision as “reckless, malicious, and self-serving,” accusing them of attempting to sabotage the party’s rebuilding efforts in the state. They argued that the APC possessed capable and qualified individuals within its own ranks to contest the 2027 governorship election, making the endorsement of an opposition figure not only unnecessary but also detrimental to party unity and morale. The Like Minds Forum questioned Zazzaga’s credibility and motives, pointing to his alleged failure to vote for the APC in the previous general elections and his involvement in past controversies that cast doubt on his sincerity and integrity within the party.
Paragraph 4: Questioning Credibility and Allegations of Hidden Agendas
The APC Like Minds Political Forum went further in their critique, challenging Zazzaga’s standing within the party and suggesting ulterior motives behind his endorsement of Governor Mutfwang. They accused him of using the party platform for personal gain and to appease unnamed "paymasters," insinuating that the endorsement was driven by self-interest rather than genuine concern for the state’s well-being. The forum raised concerns about Zazzaga’s past actions and statements, which they perceived as inconsistent with the party’s principles and goals. They questioned his commitment to the APC and suggested that his endorsement of Mutfwang was a calculated move to undermine the party’s chances in future elections and possibly advance his own political ambitions.
Paragraph 5: Calls for Accountability and Internal Investigations
In response to the escalating controversy, the APC Like Minds Political Forum demanded accountability for Zazzaga’s actions. They commended the Plateau State APC executive committee, led by Rufus Bature, for initiating an investigation into the matter and called for appropriate sanctions against Zazzaga if found guilty of undermining the party. They emphasized the need to maintain party discipline and uphold its internal processes. They also expressed their confidence in the leadership of Senator Simon Lalong and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, praising their contributions to the party and their commitment to serving the people of Plateau State. This demonstration of support for established party figures further underscored the internal divide and the challenge posed by the endorsement controversy.
Paragraph 6: Affirming Confidence in Party Leadership and Looking Ahead
The APC Like Minds Political Forum, in their concluding remarks, reiterated their faith in the party’s ability to overcome this internal challenge. They expressed their unwavering support for established party leaders and commended the efforts of key figures like Professor Yilwatda in implementing impactful reforms within the government. This expression of confidence served as an attempt to project unity and stability amidst the ongoing dispute. The forum’s statement aimed to reassure party members and the public that the APC remained focused on its core mission of serving the people, despite the internal disagreements. The controversy, however, highlighted the fragility of party unity and the potential for internal conflicts to disrupt its political agenda in Plateau State.
