Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang explains why he opposed the expulsion of Nyesom Wike and others, citing deepening PDP crisis
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has explained why he opposed the expulsion of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and other members of the G5 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Also read: Wike Reaffirms PDP as Strong Political Force
Mutfwang said the decision was wrong and only worsened the long-running crisis within the opposition party.
He spoke with journalists in Jos after a recent defection rally.
According to the governor, the expulsion was carried out without proper consultation and imposed by a few individuals.
He said a decision of such magnitude should not have been taken unilaterally.
Wike and 11 other party stalwarts were expelled at a factional PDP convention held at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The motion for their suspension was moved by party elder Chief Olabode George, who accused them of disloyalty and anti-party activities.
Others affected included former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, factional National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umar Bature, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN).
Also dismissed were factional Acting Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, factional Board of Trustees Chairman Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, George Turner, Abraham Amali, and South-South zonal leader Dan Orbih.
Mutfwang and Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri immediately dissociated themselves from the action.
In response, the Wike–Anyanwu faction announced the expulsion of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and several other party leaders.
Reflecting on the crisis, Mutfwang said he objected on principle.
“I objected because it was done surreptitiously. There was no discussion I was part of,” he said.
He added that the move only deepened divisions within the party.
“I didn’t see what the decision would achieve. Instead, it worsened the situation,” he stated.
Mutfwang said the crisis escalated further after the expulsions, describing the strategy as flawed.
He also cited legal missteps that plunged the party deeper into court battles.
The governor said the instability within the PDP influenced his eventual decision to defect.
According to him, the party became an unreliable platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said he was forced to choose between finding a new political platform or accepting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s invitation to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mutfwang said after consultations and political assessment, joining the APC was the safest option.
He stressed that he had no regrets about the move.
The governor said the defection would bring increased collaboration and support from the Federal Government.
Also read: Wike Reaffirms PDP as Strong Political Force
He added that Plateau State would benefit from stronger alignment with the centre.
