A group under the aegis of Concerned Plateau APC Legacy Members has taken a swipe at groups protesting the alleged planned defection of Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing their actions as embarrassing, harmful to party cohesion and contrary to the founding spirit of the party.

The group made its position known at a press briefing held at the NUJ secretariat in Jos on Friday, where it argued that those behind the demonstrations do not represent committed or foundational members of the APC in Plateau State.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the convener, Emmanuel  Dankasa,said the protests were a clear attempt to mislead the public and create a false impression that the APC was opposed to political growth.

Dankasa said the APC in Plateau State was built on years of sacrifice, organisation and perseverance, and could not be hijacked by individuals who only emerge during moments of political tension.

He noted that genuine APC members were more concerned about strengthening the party than engaging in what he called “petty political obstruction.

According to him, “It is unbelievable that at a time when political parties across the country are widening their nets ahead of the 2027 elections, some people in Plateau State suddenly think they have the authority to dictate who should or should not join the APC. This behaviour is not only irresponsible; it is a direct assault on party-building. No political party rejects new strength.

“We find it disturbing that individuals who did not contribute to the formation, growth or consolidation of the APC now parade themselves as gatekeepers. Their protests were childish, ill-informed and unbecoming of people who claim to understand political dynamics. What they did was pure anti-party activity, and the party leadership should treat it accordingly.

He said the protesters’ claim that the governor was not welcome ignored the realities of modern political calculations. According to him, the APC has spent enormous resources organizing receptions for defectors nationwide, and Plateau State should not deviate from the national posture of expansion and inclusiveness.

Dankasa stressed that Governor Mutfwang, if he eventually decides to join the APC, would not arrive empty-handed.
“Let us be sincere, A sitting governor brings a structure that stretches from the wards to the state level. He brings political capital, grassroots networks, and a base of loyal supporters. These are not things any serious political party dismisses. Even those who disagree with him politically cannot deny his strength.”

He argued that some individuals opposing the governor’s alleged defection were doing so out of personal fear rather than strategic reasoning.

He said such people were “terrified of becoming politically irrelevant” should the governor join the party. 

Dankasa also addressed concerns around the governor’s past decisions, including the disengagement of workers in tertiary institutions. While acknowledging that the matter evokes emotions, he criticized those who use it as a justification for rejecting the governor.

“We sympathise deeply with the affected youths,But to use their situation as a political weapon is dishonest. Their employment or disengagement was not tied to APC membership. Governance decisions, whether right or wrong, should not be turned into criteria for political gatekeeping.

He added that Plateau’s history shows that the state benefits more when aligned with the ruling party at the centre. He said internal sabotage at this time could jeopardise the political visibility the state currently enjoys.

Dankasa urged the APC leadership to identify those behind the protests and apply appropriate disciplinary measures, warning that ignoring the matter would embolden political indiscipline.

“We want to assure His Excellency that the noise being made by a few individuals does not represent the position of genuine APC members.

"Whenever he decides to join the party, he will meet committed stakeholders who understand the value of political expansion. Plateau must not be held hostage by the insecurities of a handful of people. He adde."