Ismaeel Aleem
Hundreds of individuals claiming to be members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from all 17 local government areas of Plateau State converged on Jos on Monday, staging a rally to pressure Governor Caleb Muftwang to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The gathering, held at the State Secretariat Junction, featured placards and chants praising both the governor’s performance and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Among the participants were notable PDP figures, including Dung Tari, a former party chairman in Jos South Local Government Area.
Addressing the crowd, coalition leader Christopher Danjem declared that Muftwang’s continued membership of the PDP was no longer tenable.
“We have analysed the situation in our dear state and country,” he said.
“Governor Muftwang is a performer and an architect of good governance. We want him to align with Mr President so that Plateau State can attract more federal projects and development.”
Danjem cited the recent visit by First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu to console communities affected by deadly attacks as evidence of President Tinubu’s affection for Plateau people, arguing that joining the APC would enable the governor to secure greater federal support.
The rally comes amid persistent speculation about political realignments in the state following the 2023 elections and recent security challenges.
While Governor Muftwang, who won office on the PDP platform, has repeatedly pledged loyalty to his party, the public demonstration underscores growing pressure from sections of the political class for him to cross over to the ruling party at the centre.
