The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the defection of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a betrayal of the party’s ideals and the public mandate entrusted to him by the people.

Daily Trust had reported that the governor formally received his APC membership card on Friday, a day after submitting his resignation letter to the PDP.

With Mutfwang now in its fold and reports of an imminent defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, the APC is said to be in control of close to 30 states across the federation.

Reacting to the development, the PDP, through its Plateau State Publicity Secretary, Choji Felix Dalyop, said the governor’s defection amounted to a breach of trust and political opportunism.

“Governor Mutfwang’s actions are a slap in the face to the people of Plateau State who trusted him against all odds, and a betrayal of the party’s ideals. He has chosen to prioritise personal ambition over the collective welfare of the Plateau people, and this will not be taken lightly," Dalyop said.

The party also dismissed claims that Mutfwang consulted it before defecting, insisting that no such engagement took place and that the move lacked constitutional justification.

“The party wishes to state unequivocally that it was never consulted by the governor concerning this matter, as has been alleged in some quarters. Therefore, there are no justifiable reasons whatsoever that would constitutionally permit such an unpopular decision of resignation and subsequent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) without automatically vacating the seat in the first instance," the statement read.

The PDP described the defection as an act of political opportunism that undermines the will of the electorate and places personal interests above the collective good of the people of Plateau State.

Warning that the action would not go unchallenged, the party urged residents of the state to hold the governor accountable and reject any attempt by him to seek re-election on another party’s platform.

“We urge the people of Plateau State to hold Governor Mutfwang accountable for his actions and reject his attempts to seek re-election on the platform of his new party. We also warn the APC, Plateau State chapter, against accepting him with open arms, as they will be complicit in this betrayal of the people," the party said.

The PDP further called on its members and supporters to remain calm and focused, assuring them that the party would not be distracted by what it described as temporary setbacks.

“The PDP remains strong, united, and focused on participating in all upcoming elections. Be assured that the journey towards building a robust and resilient democracy in Plateau State has just begun, and the party will not be deterred by individuals lacking genuine party loyalty and discipline," the statement added.

Meanwhile, a former Governor of Plateau State and PDP chieftain, Jonah David Jang, said Mutfwang’s defection would not create any vacuum within the party.

Jang, who spoke through his media consultant, Clinton Garuba, said the PDP would continue to champion good governance and the development of democracy in Plateau State and across the country.