The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has urged top party leaders in the zone to engage the region’s governors and meet with President Bola Tinubu to review the appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as the party’s national chairman.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Forum specifically called on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, and the APC governors in Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa and Niger States to liaise with the Progressive Governors Forum to initiate discussions with President Tinubu.
The demand marks the latest escalation in the internal conflict between the North-Central APC Forum and some Plateau State party stakeholders over speculations surrounding Governor Caleb Muftwang’s potential defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
Plateau APC Divided Over Muftwang’s Possible Defection
While the Forum has consistently advocated for Muftwang to join the APC, Plateau APC executives have firmly opposed the move, holding a stakeholders’ meeting in October where they passed a resolution rejecting his entry. On Tuesday, the women’s wing of the APC in the state also staged a rally in Jos, condemning alleged attempts by Muftwang to decamp.
The Forum accused the national chairman, Yilwatda—who hails from Plateau and was the party’s 2023 governorship candidate—of sponsoring protests and media campaigns to block Muftwang’s defection because of his own 2027 governorship ambition. Yilwatda lost to Muftwang of the PDP in the last election.
Forum: Yilwatda’s Leadership Hurting North-Central Prospects
Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, said Yilwatda’s “unsatisfactory performance” poses a threat to the North-Central’s chances in future national appointments.
“We don’t want the North-Central to be judged based on the performance of the current national chairman,” the statement read. “He has not demonstrated the competence required to lead the APC. Instead, he spends time fighting those working for the party’s growth, especially in Plateau.”
The Forum reiterated that Yilwatda has no constitutional power to stop Muftwang from joining the party, stressing that only his ward in Mangu can admit him.
Calls for Removal Intensify
According to the Forum, Yilwatda’s alleged actions amount to a breach of the party’s constitution.
“As national chairman, he should not be partisan in internal affairs, nor should he place personal ambition above party interest. But because he wants to contest the 2027 governorship election, he is blocking people who would strengthen the party.”
It added that Muftwang’s defection “would automatically deliver Plateau State to the APC,” accusing Yilwatda of working against the party’s electoral advantage.
The Forum further stated that Yilwatda lacks the experience to lead the ruling party, noting he had never been elected as a delegate, councillor, or served in any party structure before his appointment.
It insisted that the national chairman should step aside and focus on his governorship bid “rather than leading the party into crisis.”
Forum Hails Uzodinma’s New Appointment
In a separate message, the North-Central APC Forum congratulated Imo State Governor and Progressive Governors Forum Chairman, Hope Uzodinma, on his appointment as Director-General for Party Outreach, Engagement and Mobilisation by President Tinubu.
It said the appointment validates its position that the national chairman is underperforming, calling on Uzodinma to support efforts to review Yilwatda’s appointment.
Warning Over Plateau Women’s Protests
The Forum also condemned the alleged payment of “peanuts” to Plateau women who protested against Muftwang’s defection, saying the act could fuel insecurity.
“This is unfortunate and exposes the women to danger, as criminals may target them, thinking they received large sums of money,” the statement added.
The Forum urged all stakeholders to act swiftly to prevent further internal crises that could weaken the party’s prospects in the region.
Comments