Defections Rock Plateau PDP As Jang’s Loyalists Join APC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State is facing another major setback as several loyalists of former Governor Jonah Jang have dumped the party ahead of a planned mass defection rally to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Leading the latest exodus is Isaac Wadak, a strong ally of Jang and key figure in Kanke Local Government Area, who on Saturday announced his resignation from the PDP. His exit was quickly followed by that of Charles Felix Koproda, a former chairman of Pankshin Local Government Area, who also resigned from the party.

Both politicians cited loss of trust, poor leadership, and erosion of party values as reasons for their decision. They accused the PDP of abandoning its founding principles, rewarding mediocrity, and sidelining loyal members in favour of opportunists.

The defectors will join thousands of others from the PDP, Labour Party, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) at a grand rally where the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, is expected to officially receive them into the ruling party.

The APC in Plateau has also used the moment to show unity and renewed strength, holding a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos where the party unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027.

The motion for Tinubu’s endorsement was moved by former APC Deputy National Secretary, Barr. Festus Fuanter, and seconded by the state’s APC Woman Leader, Hon. Alice Dimlong, before it was unanimously adopted by party members.

Former Governor and APC leader in the state, Senator Simon Lalong, described the endorsement as well-deserved, saying Tinubu has delivered results and carried Plateau along since assuming office. He noted that the appointment of Yilwatda as APC National Chairman has brought national attention and development opportunities to the state.

Lalong revealed that internal party disputes had been resolved and described the APC in Plateau as “one united family” committed to progress. He added that several former PDP members, including some currently in government, were preparing to defect to the ruling party.

Speaking at the meeting, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda commended party members for their loyalty, noting that the steady flow of defectors was proof of public confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership. He disclosed that top politicians from other parties, including former governors and National Assembly members, would officially join the APC at a ceremony on October 30, 2025, to be witnessed by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Yilwatda assured the new members of equal rights and fair treatment within the party, saying the APC stands for unity and shared growth. He also announced that the party would soon unveil an empowerment program for youths, women, and vulnerable groups across the state.

The APC State Chairman, Hon. Rufus Bature, thanked members and stakeholders for their renewed commitment, expressing optimism that the party’s growing strength will translate into electoral victory in 2027.