The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has continued to suffer massive depletion following the defection of top political figures to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The wave of defections followed the announcement of Governor 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, Abuja.
Even as uncertainty trailed the announcement and ahead of Mutfwang’s formal defection, several commissioners, local government chairmen and top aides of the governor began decamping to the APC.
One of the first commissioners to resign from the PDP was the Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Hon. Bashir Lawandi Datti, who conveyed his decision in a letter to the Abba Na Shehu Ward Chairman of the PDP in Jos North Local Government Area. Datti said his decision followed careful consideration and wide consultations.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Ibrahim Musa Ashoms, representing Jos East LGA, resigned from the PDP on December 29, 2025. In his letter to the Zandi Ward Chairman of the party, Ashoms said his resignation was based on personal grounds and took immediate effect.
Also resigning was the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, who submitted his resignation letter to the PDP Chairman of Kwa Ward in Qua’anpan LGA, citing personal reasons.
Another key member of the Mutfwang administration, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ephraim Usman, officially resigned from the PDP on December 31, 2025. He attributed his decision to personal interest and the interest of the people of Kanam LGA, which he represents.
Beyond the commissioners, several local government chairmen also dumped the PDP. They include the Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, and the Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, John Christopher, with some councillors defecting alongside them.
In a related development, Governor Mutfwang’s liaison officer for Jos North-North State Constituency, Hon. Nura Shehu, resigned from his appointment on Friday, December 19, 2025. He cited personal conviction and unwavering principles for his decision.
“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 said.
With Governor Mutfwang now officially defecting from the PDP to the APC, more of his appointees are expected to follow suit and join the ruling party.
Mutfwang, in a letter dated December 29, 2025, and addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman of Ampang West Ward in Mangu Local Government Area, formally announced his resignation from the party with immediate effect.
“I write to formally notify you of my resignation from the PDP with immediate effect,” the governor stated.
He thanked the party for providing him a political platform and acknowledged the support of party leaders, members and supporters at all levels, adding that current realities compelled him to seek an alternative political platform in the interest of purposeful leadership and service delivery.
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