By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Plateau State All Progressives Congress (APC) women’s wing on Tuesday staged a protest in Jos, rejecting alleged plans by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to defect to the APC. The group also publicly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid during the demonstration, which took place at the Secretariat Bridge.The protesters, who turned out in large numbers, insisted the governor was not welcome in the APC. Speaking to journalists, Hon. Elizabeth Samson Yerse, leader of the women’s groups and coordinator of the Tinubu Torch Bearers, cautioned party members allegedly making moves to woo the governor into the party.She noted that the governor had previously dismissed the APC, adding that his criticisms made any proposed defection unacceptable. “It is on record that the governor said he would never join the APC. He even described the APC as an evil political party,” Yerse said.
She stressed that the APC women’s wing had no interest in receiving him. “Let it be clearly understood: we in the All Progressives Congress, particularly the women’s wing, do not want Governor Caleb Mutfwang to join our party,” she stated.Yerse added that the governor’s leadership style did not align with the APC’s values. “APC is not a political safe haven for leaders who have failed to stabilize their own party. APC is not a dumping ground for politicians running from the crises they created,” she said.The women accused Governor Mutfwang of disengaging Plateau youth employed under former Governor Simon Bako Lalong, arguing that such decisions contradicted the APC’s vision for inclusion and development. “Your leadership style is not compatible with the disciplined and forward-looking direction of our party,” Yerse said.The group also expressed concerns that admitting Governor Mutfwang into the APC would create division within the party.
They emphasized that the APC, under the national leadership of Professor Nentawe Yiltwada, remained focused on structure, strategy, and national cohesion.“Anyone who operates on sentiment, conflict, and division has no place among us,” Yerse added on behalf of the protesters.The women called on the Plateau State APC Women Leader, Barrister Alice Dimlong, to communicate their position to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
