Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has refuted the rumour that he is set to decamp from his People’s Democratic Party, PDP to join the All Progressives Congress, APC saying such is falsely in its entirety.

It was discovered that the Governor’s billboards with the APC logo were sighted in Benin, the Edo State capital and rumours were rife in Plateau State that the Governor would decamp any moment to join the APC.

But Mutfwang in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs Gyang Bere reacted this, “The attention of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has been drawn to a misleading social media post circulating a designed electronic flex banner featuring his image, falsely suggesting his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The banner was said to have been mounted in Edo State for a purpose yet to be unraveled.

“This orchestrated falsehood, crafted by certain individuals and executed by mischief-makers, is aimed at creating division between the Governor and the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as well as his dedicated supporters in Plateau State.

While this baseless rumour does not warrant a formal response, it has become necessary to dispel any misconceptions that may mislead the public and to preserve the Governor’s integrity.

“Governor Mutfwang remains a committed PDP member who firmly upholds the party’s values and the trust placed in him by the people of Plateau State, who overwhelmingly elected him in the 2023 elections under the PDP banner.

Guided by his faith and belief in divine providence, the Governor acknowledges that the people of Plateau State regard the PDP as their trusted political platform for leadership.

“The notion that he has contemplated leaving the PDP for the APC is entirely false, and the Governor affirms that he has never discussed with anyone about switching political parties. The public is hereby urged to disregard the actions of these detractors, whose sole aim is to tarnish the Governor’s reputation for their selfish political gain.”

He added that “Governor Mutfwang has not authorized anyone to create or circulate any such flex banner, and he remains steadfast in his commitment to the PDP and the people of Plateau State hence the fabricated story is the work of those who do not wish the State well, and the public is strongly advised to dismiss it and refrain from sharing the false information further.”

The people of Edo State will today, Saturday elect a new governor for the state.

They will have to choose who will succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki between three major contenders.

Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and candidate of the Labour Party, Olumide Akpata, SAN.

But the election is not just about the three candidates, it is also about ego between Governor Godwin Obaseki and former governor of the state and past national chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Obaseki defeated him four years ago when he prevented Obaseki from contesting under the platform of the APC, forcing him to switch to the PDP under whose party he defeated the candidate of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Both Comrade Oshiomhole and Governor Obaseki are not only doing a return match but they are desperate and want to win the election at all cost even when their names are not on the ballot.

But beyond this, the people of Edo State are the ultimate decision makers.

There are 2,629,025 registered voters while a total number of collected cards stand at 2,249, 780.

It is these 2, 249, 780 electorates that will decide who to elect as governor.

As it is, any of the three candidates is capable of winning the election today.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri yesterday pledged his support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Acting National Chairman,  Ambassador Umar Damagum.

The governor, who reflected on the division in the party over its interim leadership, reiterated his confidence in the ability of the acting chairman.

However, Osun State Governor Ademola urged chieftains to stick to the party constitution in whatever decision they may take on the PDP leadership question

Fintiri wrote on his X handle: “Solidly in support of Amb. Umar Damagum as National Chairman of @OfficialPDPNig! His leadership has restored public confidence, and we are confident he will steer the party to greater heights,”

He urged members to “respect the court ruling and uphold our democracy,” signaling his alignment with those favoring Damagum’s leadership.

Fintiri’s endorsement followed the split in thd PDP Governors’ Forum on whether to retain Damagum as the party chairman or shop for a replacement.

On Tuesday, a faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) met with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who expressed dissatisfaction with Damagum’s leadership.

Mohammed said the party should replace him, saying that his tenure “untenable.”

He said the Northcentral zone is constitutionally entitled to fill the leadership vacancy because the last chairman,  who could not complete his tenure, Senator Iyorcha Ayu, is from the zone.

Mohammed said: “My brother from the Northeast is currently serving as Acting National Chairman, which is constitutionally inappropriate.”

The governor insisted that PDP should “ensure that the Northcentral is given the chance to assume this responsibility.”

However, at a separate NWC chaired by Damagum at Ibadan, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde backed the interim leadership.

He said: “Let me say clearly that we are 100 per cent in support of the Damagum-led NWC.”

Adeleke: let’s follow constitution

Adeleke has urged stakeholders to adhere to the party’s constitution in seeking solutions to the crisis.

He said in a statement by his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, that on the party constitution he stood.

Adeleke said:  “I stand by the constitution of our great party which clearly spelt out the succession procedure in case of the exit of an elected chairman.

“I also stand by the resolution of the PDP Governors’ Forum of which I am an integral part.”

He added: “Our party must adhere to its constitution at this critical time and at all times. That is the way to build a responsible political party.”

The Board of Trustees (BoT) members yesterday held a meeting  with the PDP caucus in the National Assembly at the party secretariat in Abuja.

BoT Chairman.Adolphus Nwabara, Secretary Senator Ahmed Makarfi, and other members also met with Governor Mohammed in Bauchi.

Also at the meetings were Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Lere Oyewumi, House of Representatives Minority Whip,  Ali Isa JC, and Pastor Ojema Ojotu.

A source said the  advisory body organised the meeting to  know the position of the National Assembly caucus on the crisis and obtain its advice.