"Plateau PDP Faces Major Exodus as Defections Surge"

Table of Contents

1. Depletion of PDP in Plateau State
2. Announcement of Defection
3. Commissioners' Resignations
4. Council Chairmen Resignations
5. Governor Mutfwang's Defection
6. Conclusion

The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has experienced significant losses as prominent political figures defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

This trend of defections was triggered by the announcement of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s switch, which was revealed on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, by the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, during the party’s 14th National Caucus meeting held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

As the news circulated and uncertainty loomed, several state commissioners, local government chairmen, and senior aides of the governor took the initiative to defect to the APC, even before Mutfwang's official departure from the PDP.

One of the first 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 resignation letter, Datti mentioned that his decision was made after thorough consideration and extensive consultations.

The Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Ibrahim Musa Ashoms, representing Jos East LGA, joined Datti in this early wave of resignations, officially stepping down on December 29, 2025.

In his letter to the Zandi Ward Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Ashoms indicated that his resignation was based on personal reasons.

Following Ashoms' resignation, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, also submitted his resignation letter to the PDP chairman of Kwa Ward in Qua’anpan LGA, citing “personal reasons.”

Another influential member of the Mutfwang administration, Hon. Ephraim Usman, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, officially tendered his resignation letter from the PDP on December 31, 2015, citing personal interests and the needs of the people he represents in Kanam LGA.

In addition to the commissioners, several council chairmen also resigned from the party, including the Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, and the Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, John Christopher, along with some councillors who chose to follow them.

Interestingly, Mutfwang’s liaison officer for Jos North-North LGA, Hon. Nura Shehu, resigned from his position on Friday, December 19, 2025, citing personal conviction and steadfast 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 stated.

With Governor Mutfwang officially defecting from the PDP to the APC, it is anticipated that many of his appointees will also follow suit and join him in the ruling party.

Mutfwang, in a letter dated December 29, 2025, addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman of Ampang West Ward in Mangu LGA, officially announced his resignation from the party effective immediately.

“I am writing to formally inform you of my resignation from the PDP, effective immediately.”

“I sincerely thank the PDP for providing me with a political platform to engage in the democratic process.

“I appreciate the support of party leaders, members, and supporters at all levels during my time in the party, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me.

“Considering the current realities and guided by my commitment to purposeful leadership, clarity of direction, and effective service delivery, I feel compelled to seek an alternative political platform.

“Please accept my highest regards,” the Plateau governor concluded.