The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is experiencing a significant exodus of top officials to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This development follows the announcement of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s defection to the APC, made by the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on December 17, 2025.
Several commissioners, local government chairmen, and top aides of the governor have resigned from the PDP and defected to the APC. Among them is the Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Hon. Bashir Lawandi Datti, who submitted his resignation letter to the Abba Na Shehu Ward chairman of the PDP in Jos North LGA. Datti cited careful consideration and wide consultations as the reasons for his decision.
Other commissioners who have defected include Hon. Ibrahim Musa Ashoms, representing Jos East LGA, and Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, the Commissioner for Health. Hon. Ephraim Usman, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, also tendered his resignation letter, citing personal interest and the interest of the people of Kanam LGA.
In addition to the commissioners, some council chairmen have 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. Mutfwang’s liaison officer, Hon. Nura Shehu, has also resigned from his appointment, citing personal conviction and unwavering principles.
Governor Mutfwang officially defected from the PDP to the APC, announcing his resignation from the party in a letter dated December 29, 2025. Many of his appointees are expected to follow suit and join him in the ruling party. The mass defection is seen as a significant blow to the PDP in Plateau State, and its implications are likely to be felt in the state’s political landscape.
The defections are a result of the governor’s decision to seek an alternative political platform, citing the need for purposeful leadership, clarity of direction, and service delivery. The development is expected to have significant implications for the political dynamics in Plateau State, and it remains to be seen how the PDP will respond to the loss of its top officials.