Plateau Speaker Dismisses Coercion Claims, Backs Mutfwang’s Defection to APC

|By Chinwendu Nwani

Former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Istifanus Mwansat, has firmly dismissed claims that Governor Caleb Mutfwang was pressured into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the governor acted out of free will and political wisdom.

Mwansat made the assertion on Tuesday during an interview on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television, shortly after Mutfwang formally dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

According to the former Speaker, the governor’s decision was strategic, timely and firmly supported by the people of Plateau State. He stressed that Mutfwang neither needed inducement nor coercion to defect, describing the move as “the best option” under the prevailing political circumstances.

“Plateau people are with Governor Mutfwang. He was not arm-twisted to join the APC. His defection was the best decision,” Mwansat said.

He further dismissed insinuations that the governor defected in search of an automatic ticket ahead of future elections, expressing confidence that Mutfwang would win any election he chooses to contest.

“He does not need an automatic ticket. Any time, any day, whether twice or thrice, if Mutfwang contests elections, he will win. I can assure you,” he stated.

Mwansat questioned the logic behind claims of coercion, arguing that there was no justification for anyone to force the governor into the APC. He maintained that the decision was driven purely by political calculation and positioning.

“This is politics. You cannot remain dogmatic or static when it becomes evident that the platform on which you were elected is sick, and its recovery is uncertain,” he said.

Drawing a biblical analogy, Mwansat described the governor as a wise leader who identified looming political risks and chose a safer path to safeguard governance and stability in the state.

“The Governor, as a wise person and good leader, has seen danger ahead and taken a detour. In the circumstances, moving to the APC is the best option for Plateau State,” he added.