…Mutfwang insists on remaining APC member despite claims of defection in Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State has rejected claims that Governor Caleb Mutfuwang has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the party has not received any formal resignation from him.
The party says that without official documentation, the governor will remain a de facto member of the PDP.
Speaking in an interview with BusinessDay on Tuesday in Jos, Plateau State PDP spokesperson Felix Choji said the party operates strictly within its constitutional framework and cannot rely on public statements or media reports to determine the status of a member.
The controversy follows the announcement by the APC National Chairman, Nnetawe Yilawatada, who had announced Muthawang's defection during an APC stakeholders meeting in Abuja about two weeks ago.
The announcement sparked widespread political debate in Plateau State and beyond.
Also read: APC confirms Muttafwang's defection, reveals plans for grand welcome
However, Choji said that the PDP has not been officially informed about any such move. “We have not received any resignation letter from him or any of his associates. Not at the ward level, not at the local government, not at the zone level and not even at the state level”; He said.
He said the lack of formal notification meant the governor's name remained on the party's membership database.
Choji said, “As far as the party is concerned, we have no documents to show that he has left the PDP. Therefore, he remains a true and active member of the People's Democratic Party.”
The PDP spokesperson also pointed to visible symbols of party affiliation, indicating that Muthapwang has not formally defected. He said the PDP flag was still flying at the Government House and was on the official vehicle of the Governor.
Choji argued that previous defections from the party had been handled differently, with explicit resignation letters presented and widely circulated. According to him, no such correspondence exists in Mutafwang's case, which makes APC's claim procedurally suspect.
Asked whether the alleged defection was an anti-party activity, the PDP spokesperson urged caution and stressed that the party would not take action based on speculation or claims by third parties.
The development has generated mixed reactions among political stakeholders in Plateau State, with some interpreting the APC's announcement as a political strategy, while others see the PDP's stance as a test of party discipline and internal order.
As the situation unfolds, the PDP insists that only a written resignation can change Governor Mutafwang's political status within the party, even as the APC continues to project him as its latest high-profile member.
