The reported defection of Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains unconfirmed, with the party’s national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, dismissing the claims as mere speculation.

The controversy comes amid growing unrest among APC youths, who have issued a two-week ultimatum to Prof. Yilwatda to resign or face mass protests. Operating under the APC Youth Solidarity Network (APC-YSN), the group accused the chairman of poor leadership and presiding over the party’s declining popularity nationwide.

“Under Nentawe’s leadership, the APC’s popularity continues to wane daily, making President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid more difficult,” the group said in a statement signed by National Coordinator Comrade Danesi Momoh Prince.

The youth group criticized Yilwatda’s handling of reports about Mutfwang’s purported defection, calling his alleged remarks that the governor “lacks political value” reckless.

“For the national chairman of a ruling party to think otherwise shows a poor understanding of Nigeria’s political terrain. He is largely a political neophyte and unfit for the enormous responsibility of leading the APC,” the statement added.

The group also alleged internal dysfunction under Yilwatda, citing the mismanaged Ekiti governorship primaries and claims of neglect toward party staff.

In response, Kevin Pankshin, Personal Assistant to Prof. Yilwatda, dismissed the allegations as political mischief and confirmed there has been no official communication from Governor Mutfwang indicating an interest in joining the APC.

“Who has ever said that Governor Mutfwang wants to join the APC and was rejected? Nobody has seen or heard that from any credible source. The whole thing exists only in the imagination of those desperate to stir division within the party,” Pankshin said.

He further alleged that opposition elements, particularly from the PDP, were fueling the defection rumors to create disaffection within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Pankshin explained that opposition to Mutfwang partly stems from his administrative decisions in Plateau State, including the dissolution of 17 local government chairmen and their deputies, the dismissal of hundreds of supervisory councillors, and the removal of over 1,000 young workers employed by the previous government.

“These actions created political enemies and resentment among several groups who felt marginalized or victimized by the governor’s policies,” he said.

The situation highlights both internal tensions within the APC and the complex political landscape in Plateau State as the 2027 elections approach.