North-Central APC Forum Rejects Plateau Protests, Strongly Backs Governor Mutfwang’s Defection to APC

Introduction

In a bold statement on Nigerian politics, the North-Central APC Forum has firmly rejected protests in Plateau State organized by some APC members opposing Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s potential defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This development highlights deepening internal divisions within the APC in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general elections. The forum, representing the North-Central geopolitical zone, views the protests as undemocratic and counterproductive to the party’s goal of securing victory in Plateau for President Bola Tinubu.

Understanding this rift requires context on Plateau State’s political landscape. Plateau, a North-Central state, has been a battleground for PDP and APC, with Mutfwang’s 2023 gubernatorial win under PDP marking a significant upset. The APC Forum’s support for his defection underscores strategic calculations for electoral dominance. This article breaks down the event, its implications, and key lessons in Nigerian party politics.

Background on Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Plateau Politics

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, elected in 2023 on the PDP platform, has governed amid ethnic tensions and security challenges in Plateau. His potential move to APC aligns with a trend of cross-party defections in Nigeria, often driven by prospects of federal patronage and electoral alliances.

Analysis

The North-Central APC Forum’s response, issued on Sunday following Saturday’s protests in Jos, labels the demonstrations as “undemocratic.” Protesters, wielding placards during an APC event welcoming new members, demanded Mutfwang’s exclusion. Forum Chairman Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga signed a statement reaffirming calls for Mutfwang to join APC, arguing it would bolster the party’s 2027 prospects.

Zazzaga accuses Plateau APC protesters of “selfish political calculations,” claiming they fear electoral defeat against Mutfwang. He highlights their poor performance in 2023, including failure to win polling units, yet their pursuit of federal appointments. The forum urges President Tinubu’s intervention and appeals to Senator Simon Lalong, former Plateau governor, to facilitate Mutfwang’s integration.

Strategic Rationale Behind the Support

The forum emphasizes delivering six million votes for Tinubu in Plateau by 2027, dismissing opponents as “political amateurs.” This reflects APC’s broader strategy post-2023, where it secured federal power but struggled in states like Plateau. Welcoming a popular incumbent like Mutfwang could unify support and marginalize PDP.

Summary

The North-Central APC Forum condemned Jos protests by Plateau APC members against Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s defection. In a statement by Chairman Saleh Zazzaga, it defended Nigerians’ rights to join parties of choice, criticized protesters’ motives, and called for presidential intervention. The forum reiterated its October rejection of a similar anti-defection resolution, stressing electoral gains for 2027.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For political actors in Nigeria navigating defections and party forums, consider these evidence-based strategies drawn from APC dynamics:

Building Zonal Alliances

Like the North-Central APC Forum, leverage zonal structures to amplify voices. North-Central states (Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, FCT) hold sway in APC’s northern strategy. Engage forums early to counter state-level resistance.

Electoral Data Utilization

APC’s critique of protesters’ polling unit failures teaches using 2023 INEC data. Aspiring leaders should demonstrate winnability via past votes before opposing high-profile defections.

High-Level Advocacy

Direct appeals to the presidency, as Zazzaga plans, work in Nigeria’s patronage politics. Document positions publicly to pressure stakeholders.

Voter Mobilization Focus

Prioritize vote targets like the forum’s six million for Tinubu, aligning personal ambitions post-victory.

Points of Caution

While supporting defections offers gains, Nigerian politics demands vigilance:

Internal Party Fractures

Protests like Jos reveal risks of alienation. APC must manage egos to avoid 2023-style losses in Plateau, where PDP edged out despite federal incumbency.

Electoral Backlash

Perceived hypocrisy—criticizing non-performers while seeking appointments—can erode voter trust. Forums should substantiate claims with verifiable data.

Zonal vs. State Tensions

North-Central Forum’s override of Plateau stakeholders highlights hierarchy but risks resentment. Inclusive consultations prevent escalations.

Timing Sensitivities

Public threats to “write to Tinubu” may unify opponents. Private diplomacy often yields better results in APC’s consensus-driven culture.

Comparison

This episode mirrors past Nigerian defections, providing pedagogical insights:

Vs. Ayade’s 2022 Defection

Cross River’s Ben Ayade defected from PDP to APC in 2022, welcomed despite protests. Unlike Plateau, federal intervention smoothed integration, aiding APC’s state capture strategy—similar to North-Central Forum’s Tinubu appeal.

Vs. Okowa and Wike Dynamics

Delta’s Ifeanyi Okowa stayed PDP amid 2023 rift with Nyesom Wike (now pro-Tinubu). Mutfwang’s case echoes Wike’s camp, prioritizing incumbency over loyalty for 2027 gains.

Plateau-Specific: Lalong’s Legacy

Senator Simon Lalong, APC chieftain and ex-governor, defected from PDP pre-2019. Forum’s appeal to him contrasts 2023 APC candidate losses, urging repeat success.

Table: Defection Outcomes

Legal Implications

In Nigeria, defections are governed by Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), allowing legislators to defect only amid party crises. Governors face no automatic vacancy upon defection, per Supreme Court rulings like Fayose v. INEC (2018), affirming executive immunity. Mutfwang’s PDP ticket in 2023 poses no legal bar to joining APC, though PDP could challenge via courts if crisis unproven.

APC protests raise no constitutional violation; parties self-regulate membership. INEC guidelines permit defections pre-nomination. Thus, North-Central Forum’s stance aligns legally, emphasizing democratic choice under Section 40 (freedom of association).

Conclusion

The North-Central APC Forum’s rejection of Plateau protests and endorsement of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s defection to APC signals a pragmatic push for 2027 dominance. By framing opposition as selfish, the forum prioritizes electoral strategy over internal squabbles, backed by historical defections. This saga educates on Nigeria’s fluid politics: alliances trump ideology, zones amplify influence, and incumbents hold leverage. As Plateau remains pivotal, resolution via Tinubu or Lalong could reshape North-Central APC fortunes.

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