Politics
Governor Mutfwang’s Senior Aide Finally Speaks On Defection Rumours
Hon. Istifanus Mwansat has reacted to rumors suggesting Governor Caleb Mutfwang is preparing to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mwansat, a former Speaker of the Plateau Assembly and now Senior Special Adviser on Political Matters and Special Duties, dismissed the speculation, calling it unnecessary and misleading.
Speaking in an interview, he addressed the recent wave of defections rocking the PDP and the pressure on top party figures across the country.
According to him, political movement is driven largely by fear, ambition, and the belief that “if they remain outside the ruling party, their chances of being counted politically are slim.”
He insisted that many politicians are running to the ruling party for survival rather than ideology, describing it as a “safe haven” for those hoping their “sins will be forgiven.”
Mwansat also expressed concern over the country’s political culture, saying hunger and poverty have weakened democratic values and shifted voter decision-making to “the depth of the contestant’s pocket.”
On whether defections could weaken the PDP ahead of 2027, he maintained that the party still has solid structures at the grassroots and will “bounce back and put up a strong fight” in the next general election.
When asked about claims that Nigerian politics lacks solid ideology, he agreed, stating that party-switching has become too common, especially among lawmakers who “violate the same laws they make.”
Responding to repeated claims that Governor Mutfwang may join the APC, Mwansat insisted the governor has made his position clear.
The Aide noted that Mutfwang has repeatedly said he is not leaving the PDP, stressing that his political direction is guided by God and the people of Plateau.
“The governor has consistently re-emphasized that he is not moving and will not move… the governor is not moving,” he said.
He also reacted to reports that some APC members had already rejected Mutfwang, describing such statements as empty politics.
According to him, the governor never indicated interest in joining the APC for anyone to “reject” him.
Mwansat said the APC in Plateau is only trying to push a narrative to create confusion, adding that if Mutfwang ever wished to defect, “reasonable APC members would be excited.”
Commenting on internal party grievances, he acknowledged some PDP members are unhappy but urged patience, noting that the governor is carrying a heavy burden as the only elected PDP official left standing in the state after court rulings overturned earlier victories.
He added that politics is dynamic, and while some individuals leave, others are returning silently. The senior special adviser to the governor noted that two former APC lawmakers recently held talks to rejoin the PDP.
On the relationship between the State Assembly and the governor, he described it as cordial, saying both sides are focused on “the Plateau project” rather than partisan rivalry.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, has announced it will not be participating in the forthcoming local government election in the state.
The party disclosed this in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, on Thursday in Ibadan.
The local government election in the state has been fixed for December 2026, but the APC, in its argument, described the decision to conduct the election as illegal, ill-conceived and self-serving.
Sadare said the decision will further worsen the current situation of things at the grassroots level in the state, alleging that Governor Seyi Makinde does not believe in local government autonomy.
He alleged that such action means that Makinde is now trying to impose another set of lackeys who would be loyal to him even after leaving the office.
“The whole world knows that Gov. Makinde does not believe in local government autonomy, and when it comes to democracy at the grassroots, he cannot be trusted for anything. He has feasted on the resources of the 33 local government councils in the state for over seven years and the people cannot wait for him to leave in May for the third tier of government to regain their freedom.
“The same Makinde is now trying to impose another set of lackeys who would be loyal to him even after leaving Agodi Government House and he knows he cannot do this after the conduct of the 2027 general elections, which outcome would strip him of all political power and influence.”
As Ekiti State prepares for Saturday’s governorship election, Isaac Fayose has alleged that members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are planning to engage in vote-buying during the poll.
Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, raised the alarm on Thursday through a video shared on his official Facebook page.
He claimed that intelligence available to him suggests that arrangements have already been made to influence voters with cash ahead of the election.
The businessman called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to closely monitor activities during the election and take immediate action against anyone caught attempting to buy votes.
According to him, the credibility of the election will depend largely on how effectively security and anti-corruption agencies handle electoral offences.
Fayose argued that Nigeria’s democratic system continues to suffer because elections are often manipulated, making it difficult for truly popular candidates to emerge victorious.
He said, “Nigeria is not developing because our electoral system is faulty. Popular people don’t get into power but unpopular people do because they are rigged in.
“If our votes can’t put the best candidates there, it means we are in a mess. We will see on Saturday whether EFCC is effective or not.
“If EFCC is on ground, they should be able to apprehend many vote buyers because APC is planning to buy votes. EFCC, Nigerians are watching, you now have an office in Ekiti State.
“We have credible information that these people are planning to buy votes”.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully concluded its House of Representatives primaries across Nigeria, setting the stage for the 2027 general elections.
The exercise, held on May 16, 2026, drew significant attention as both seasoned lawmakers and fresh aspirants battled for tickets to represent their constituencies in the Green Chamber.
According to The Nation, with high turnout reported in many states, the primaries showcased the party’s internal dynamics and the balance between continuity and change.
At the national level, prominent figures such as Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudasiru Obasa secured their tickets with relative ease.
Their victories reaffirmed their strong influence within the party and their constituencies.
Meanwhile, James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, also clinched his ticket, while Yusuf Buhari, son of the late president Muhammadu Buhari, emerged as a first-time candidate in Katsina.
Winners of APC 2026 primaries
Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, was returned unopposed in Zaria Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker, also secured his ticket.
Mudasiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, won unopposed in Agege James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, clinched victory in Ikeja/Ojodu Yusuf Buhari, son of the late president Muhammadu Buhari, won in Katsina, marking his first entry into the Green Chamber.
Other notable winners included Jimi Benson (Ikorodu), Yusuf Gagdi (Plateau), Ndudi Elumelu (Delta), and Olumide Osoba (Ogun).
Major losses in the APC primaries
House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere lost his bid for a third term in Edo Four sitting members from Imo state, Matthew Nwogu, Miriam Onuoha, Harrison Nwadike, and Emeka Chinedu, failed to secure return tickets Popular businessman Cubana Chief Priest also lost his bid.
State highlights after ruling party primaries
Kaduna: Samaila Abdul Suleiman won convincingly in Kaduna North with 3,049 votes, defeating Abdulaziz Abubakar Kaka and Abubakar Mahmoud, but Kaka’s campaign alleged disenfranchisement of supporters
Edo: Ihonvbere’s defeat was linked to a zoning agreement between Owan East and West, with Hon Eseosa Iyawe also losing in Oredo
Delta: Ndudi Elumelu secured Aniocha/Oshimili, while Erhiatake Ibori won Ethiope
Ogun: Olumide Osoba emerged for Owode/Abeokuta North/Odeda
Kogi: Leke Abejide, formerly of ADC, won unopposed in Yagba
Plateau: Yusuf Gagdi was endorsed for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam
Jigawa: Five incumbents retained their tickets, while four lost to new aspirants
Ekiti: HoR spokesman Akintunde Rotimi won in Ekiti North I, defeating five rivals.
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