The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027, while also expressing support for Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing his performance in office.
The dual endorsement was announced over the weekend by Forum Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Jos, Plateau State.
Zazzaga, a key figure in the APC’s 2023 campaign council, revealed that the Forum had unanimously agreed to back President Tinubu for re-election, describing his leadership as effective and impactful.
Having earlier pledged to mobilize six million votes for Tinubu from the North Central region for the 2027 presidential election by the Forum, Zazzaga said, “We are reaffirming our endorsement of President Tinubu for 2027 because he has shown capacity and commitment to national development.
“His administration is performing well, and we believe he deserves a second term”.
In a nold move within party, the Forum also announced its adoption of the Green Cap Movement in Plateau State, an initiative closely associated with Governor Mutfwang.
Although Mutfwang is from the PDP, the Forum said it recognized his efforts at delivering good governance and believed he deserved support beyond party lines.
“We have chosen to adopt the Green Cap Movement because we believe in its ideals.
“Despite being from a different party, Governor Mutfwang is making visible progress, and we must support those who are working for the people,” Zazzaga said.
The Plateau State APC Executive Committee swiftly responded with strong opposition, warning that it would take disciplinary measures against those within the party who publicly supported the Green Cap Movement.
The State Exco dismissed the movement as politically aligned with the PDP and cautioned against any form of collaboration.
In reaction, the North-Central APC Forum challenged the State Exco to promote internal unity instead of imposing restrictions.
It urged the Plateau APC leadership, led by Rufus Bature, to create a reconciliation committee within seven days to address the grievances of long-standing party members and stakeholders who feel marginalized.
“The party must be inclusive. It does not belong to a select few, every loyal member deserves to have a voice.
“We are asking the Plateau APC to bridge the widening internal divisions and treat aggrieved members, especially the elders, with fairness and respect,” the Forum said.
Responding to questions about the Forum’s legitimacy, its leadership maintained that it is a duly recognized body within the APC, with members drawn from all six States in the North-Central geopolitical zone.
The Forum emphasized that it had been actively engaged in building the APC across the region and had significantly contributed to Tinubu’s victory in 2023.
“We are not new to the party. Many of us delivered our polling units and wards for the APC and the President. We will not be distracted by individuals who failed to do the same,” the Forum noted.
On the backlash over its support for the Green Cap Movement, the Forum clarified that the initiative was non-partisan, focused on reform, civic engagement, and good governance.
It described attempts to label the Green Cap as a PDP symbol as misleading and politically motivated.
“The Green Cap represents a progressive vision for the people of Plateau State. It is not tied to any political party. This movement is about the people, not politics,” the statement added.
The Forum also recalled its past advocacy efforts, including demands for a ministerial appointment for Plateau, the creation of a North Central Development Commission, and calls for the zoning of the APC national chairmanship to the region.
It accused the Plateau APC leadership of only supporting such initiatives when they served their personal interests.
“They’re only reacting now because they fear we may be persuading Governor Mutfwang to join the APC,” the Forum alleged.
