Wave of defections hit Plateau PDP 

Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has continued to witness massive depletion following the defection of top political figures to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

The wave of defections followed the announcement of Gov. Caleb Mutfwang’s defection, which was made on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, by the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, during the party’s 14th National Caucus meeting at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

While the news was still making the rounds and with the uncertainty surrounding it, some commissioners in the state, local government chairmen, and top aides of the governor decided to take the first leap by decamping to the APC even ahead of Mutfwang’s formal defection.

One of the first commissioners to resign from the PDP was the Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Hon. Bashir Lawandi Datti, who communicated his decision in a letter to the Abba Na Shehu Ward chairman of the PDP in Jos North LGA.

In his letter of resignation, Datti stated his decision was reached after careful consideration and wide consultations.

Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Ibrahim Musa Ashoms, representing Jos East LGA, joined Datti in the early wave of resignations, who threw in the towel on December 29, 2025.

In his letter to the Zandi Ward Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Ashoms stated his resignation from the party was based on personal ground effective.

Following on the heels of Ashom’s resignation was the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, who tendered his resignation letter to the PDP chairman of Kwa Ward in Qua’anpan LGA, citing “personal reasons.”

One of the most powerful members of the Mutfwang administration, Hon. Ephraim Usman, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, on December 31, 2015, also officially tendered his resignation letter from the PDP, citing personal interest and that of the people of Kanam LGA which he represents.

Apart from the commissioners, some council chairmen also resigned from the party including the Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, the Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, John Christopher, with some councillors moving with them.

In a twist, however, Mutfwang’s liaison officer, Jos North-North LGA  Hon. Nura Shehu, resigned from his appointment on Friday,  December 19, 2025, citing personal conviction and unwavering principles.

“After careful reflection and in line with my personal convictions, I am formally resigning my appointment as liaison officer representing Jos North-North State Constituency,” he saidm

With Gov. Mutfwang officially defecting from the PDP to the APC, many of his appointees are also expected to follow suit and move with him to the ruling party.

Mutfwang had, in a letter dated December 29th, 2025, and addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman of Ampang West Ward in Mangu LGA, officially announced his resignation from the party with immediate effect.

“I write to formally notify you of my resignation from the PDP with immediate effect.”

“I sincerely appreciate the PDP for providing me with the political platform to participate in the democratic process.

“I acknowledge the support of party leaders. Members, and supporters at all levels during my time in the party, and I remain grateful for the trust reposed in me.

“Given the realities of the moment and guided by my commitment to purposeful leadership, clarity of direction, and service delivery, I am compelled to seek an alternative political platform.

“Please, accept the assurances of my highest regards,” the Plateau governor stated.