Group Writes Tinubu, Warns Against Blocking Gov Mutfwang’s Defection To APC

A political pressure group, the Renewed Hope Advocates of Nigeria (RHAN), has criticised the decision of the Plateau State chapter of the party to stop the state’s governor, Caleb Mutfwang, from joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

National coordinator of the Renewed Hope Advocates of Nigeria (RHAN) and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Prince Miaphen, made this comment in an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and made available to journalists on Tuesday.

Miaphen described the move as a “political misstep” and a “contradiction” that undermines the President’s inclusive political strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At the heart of the controversy is a recent APC stakeholders’ meeting in Jos — reportedly presided over by the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, during which a unanimous resolution was passed to block Governor Mutfwang, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), from defecting to the ruling APC.

Miaphen, who described himself as a “committed advocate” for the President’s 2027 re-election bid, expressed dismay over the Plateau APC’s posture, warning that such exclusionary tactics could harm the party’s chances in the North Central region.

“The same meeting that enthusiastically endorsed your second-term bid paradoxically decided to block a sitting governor who could have been one of your strongest electoral assets in the North Central,” Miaphen wrote.

“This contradiction speaks volumes about the growing disconnect between the Plateau APC leadership and your strategic national vision.”

The activist praised President Tinubu’s political style, noting how previous collaborations with governors from Cross River, Ebonyi, Zamfara, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom had bolstered the APC’s national strength. He questioned why the party would take a different approach in Plateau — a state with over 2.5 million registered voters.

“How can a party that celebrates the defection of governors in other regions suddenly turn hostile toward one in Plateau?” he asked. “Any strategy that alienates its sitting governor is not only shortsighted but politically suicidal.”

Miaphen was particularly critical of National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, accusing him of pursuing personal political vendettas and failing to demonstrate the bridge-building leadership expected of his office.

“Rather than convening a meeting to block Governor Mutfwang, Professor Nentawe should have been hosting strategic engagement sessions to woo him and his supporters into the party,” he stated. “It raises questions about the competence, sincerity, and political maturity of the National Chairman and his caucus.”

Referring to the APC’s loss in Plateau during the 2023 presidential election — despite the presence of a sitting APC governor and campaign director-general — Miaphen urged the President not to ignore history.

He warned that Yilwatda’s alleged ambition to contest the 2027 gubernatorial election might be clouding his judgment and leading him to act in ways that could sabotage the President’s re-election effort.

“If the man charged with uniting the APC nationwide cannot reconcile himself with his own state’s political reality, then it is time to re-evaluate his capacity to lead,” Miaphen declared.

He concluded with a call for President Tinubu to personally intervene and uphold his legacy of political inclusion.

“The door to any well-meaning Plateau citizen — including Governor Mutfwang — must remain open, if indeed our goal is to secure and strengthen your 2027 re-election.”

Miaphen reaffirmed the loyalty of Plateau indigenes to the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence in the President’s ability to take decisive action to protect the unity and integrity of the APC.