Endorsement of opposition governor triggers uncertainty, political realignments in the state
The recent endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang for a second term in 2027 by the North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has generated mixed reactions and raised questions about potential political shifts in Plateau State.
In a statement released on Saturday, Chairman of the forum, Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, disclosed that the decision was reached during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday night. According to him, the forum also adopted the Green Cap Movement — widely associated with Governor Mutfwang — as its preferred platform for the 2027 governorship election in the state.
“We have decided to adopt the Green Cap Movement in Plateau because we believe the time is now,” the statement read. “Although Mutfwang belongs to the PDP, we believe he is performing well and must be supported to succeed. Similarly, we are endorsing our President, Bola Tinubu, for 2027 because of his exceptional performance.”
Zazzaga further called on Governor Mutfwang to join the APC, arguing that aligning fully with the President would be politically beneficial to both the governor and Plateau State. He dismissed claims that the Green Cap Movement is a PDP initiative, stating that it represents a mindset, not a party platform.
“The Green Cap is not a symbol of any particular political party. It represents a mindset and the people, not a platform. Its slogan, ‘The Time is Now’, is a universal call for reform and accountability,” he said.
The forum also demanded a retraction from the Plateau State APC executive, led by Rufus Bature, which had issued a statement criticizing the Green Cap Movement’s endorsement. It refuted allegations that the forum is not a recognised body, insisting it is officially acknowledged at the national level as a representative group for North-Central stakeholders.
The development has, however, stirred confusion within the Plateau political landscape, especially among members of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Many within the camp of former Governor Jonah Jang — a key Mutfwang ally — are reportedly unsettled by the endorsement and its potential implications for the PDP’s future in the state.
A source from the Jang political bloc, which has long branded itself under the “Redemption Camp” and “Time is Now” mantra, expressed shock that such declarations were made during the same period as the APC North-Central zonal congress.
“We were there for the election, and nothing was said about endorsements. The report said APC North Central Forum — please note that,” the source emphasized, distancing the congress from the controversial endorsement.
Meanwhile, former House of Representatives member and PDP stalwart, Bitrus Kaze, said the development did not surprise him, citing signs of Mutfwang’s alignment with the APC since the conclusion of post-election litigation.
“Since the Supreme Court affirmed his victory, it became obvious that Governor Mutfwang, in spirit, was more aligned with Tinubu than with the PDP,” Kaze said. “The fact that not a single House of Assembly member is from the PDP and that the speaker is a lone member further proves the weak state of the PDP on the Plateau.”
Kaze predicted a possible defection of the governor to the APC, saying, “It won’t surprise me if Mutfwang eventually joins Tinubu in the APC. What remains in the PDP for him is just his body — his soul has long crossed over.”
On the broader implications, Kaze lamented the fragile structure of the PDP in the state.
“Going into the 2023 elections, the PDP had no viable structure. What saved the party was the Supreme Court, which, as we all know, is the final authority — not necessarily the most correct one. Whether their ruling was right or wrong is a discussion for another day.”
As political watchers assess the situation, the dual endorsement continues to generate ripples, with questions mounting over Mutfwang’s political future and the realignment of forces ahead of the 2027 elections.