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JOS – Concerned Plateau APC legacy members have distanced themselves from recent protests staged against the alleged plan by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the actions as “shameful, hypocritical, and politically immature”.

Speaking during a press conference held on Friday, 5 December 2025, at the NUJ Secretariat, Plateau State, the group said the protesters do not represent genuine APC members, insisting that their actions amount to anti-party conduct capable of undermining the party’s long-term electoral prospects in the state.

Convener of the group, Emmanuel A. Dankasa, said it was embarrassing that individuals claiming to speak for the party would attempt to block a sitting governor from joining the APC, particularly in a state that prides itself as the home of the party’s National Chairman. of the Party

“To those of us who know the rigours of building this party from foundation, these utterances and actions are not only ill-advised but counterproductive,” the group said. “No serious political party will reject the opportunity to admit a sitting governor, and certainly not on the Plateau.”

The APC Legacy Members argued that welcoming Governor Mutfwang should he choose to defect would significantly strengthen the party’s base ahead of the 2027 general elections. They dismissed claims that the APC could win future elections on the Plateau without expanding its ranks, saying such assumptions ignore political realities.

The group warned that failure by the party leadership to identify and sanction those behind the protests would fuel suspicions that the agitators are “mere pawns executing the sinister motives of vested interests” within the party.

“It is clear that these protesters are individuals who benefit from the status quo and fear losing political relevance,” the group noted. “But the interest of the party must supersede personal gains.”

While clarifying that Governor Mutfwang has not officially announced any intention to defect, the group maintained that the APC should position itself to receive all strategic political assets capable of boosting its influence in the state.

They added that Plateau State has historically benefitted from aligning with the ruling party at the centre and cautioned against actions that could push the state back into political isolation.

They also advised that governance issues such as the controversy over the sacking of workers in tertiary institutions—should not be used as political weapons to determine who joins or leaves a political party.

As foundational members of the APC, the group reaffirmed their commitment to the party’s growth and unity, urging the leadership to act decisively to prevent internal sabotage.

The group rounded encouraged Governor Mutfwang to consider joining the APC if he deems it politically strategic, saying his entry would boost the party’s fortunes and enhance Plateau State’s relevance within the national political space.