Jonah David Jang, leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former governor of Plateau State, has assured supporters that the party remains stable and confident despite Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s recent resignation and decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking through his media consultant, Clinton Garuba, on Friday, Senator Jang said that Mutfwang had informed him of his intention to cross to the ruling party and that the move was motivated by the governor’s stated commitment to purposeful leadership and improved service delivery for Plateau.
“The PDP in Plateau remains liberal and firmly positioned to continue playing its vital role in Nigeria’s democratic development,” the statement said. Jang encouraged members to remain confident and committed, and he pledged that the party would continue to strengthen its internal democracy while advancing policies that promote inclusive governance and national development.
PDP stability in Nigeria
Jang described the governor’s decision as a personal choice and reiterated that the party’s objectives are broader than any single political defection. He urged PDP members to maintain focus on delivering results for citizens and to resist factionalism that could undermine the party’s mission.
The media statement also conveyed a conciliatory tone towards Mutfwang. As a father figure within the state’s political landscape, Jang said his doors remain open to the governor should he seek counsel. He wished Mutfwang well in his future endeavours and appealed to those who might follow the governor’s lead to prioritise the welfare of Plateau over narrow partisan interests.
Political defections are common in Nigeria, particularly in the run-up to elections or during periods of shifting alliances. While such moves can unsettle party structures, Jang’s statement sought to project continuity and resilience within the PDP at the state level. He emphasised that the party would continue to engage constructively with its members and would press on with programmes aimed at delivering inclusive governance.
Local analysts suggested that Jang’s response aimed to contain any immediate fallout and to reassure both the party’s grassroots and national leadership that Plateau’s PDP remains coherent. By framing the development as part of normal political realignment rather than an existential crisis, the PDP hopes to limit defections and retain public confidence.
For residents of Plateau, the immediate concern is service delivery and stability. Jang’s message focused squarely on those priorities, urging politicians who change allegiance to put the state’s interest above party loyalty. He said that, ultimately, power belongs to the electorate and that all officeholders should be judged by their performance.
Looking ahead, the PDP in Plateau will likely intensify internal consultations and outreach to supporters to shore up its standing. The party’s national positioning will also be tested as it navigates a landscape where many politicians shift alliances. Jang’s assurance of stability, together with promises to deepen internal democracy, represents the PDP’s attempt to maintain credibility and present a united front ahead of future political contests.
Governor Mutfwang’s formal resignation came in a letter submitted on Thursday, in which he cited a personal commitment to purposeful leadership as the reason for his move. The political implications of his defection will continue to unfold, but for now, the PDP leadership in Plateau has sought to calm nerves and signal that the party remains a central actor in the state’s political life.
Key Takeaways:
- PDP leader Jonah Jang affirms that the party remains stable following Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s move to the APC, stressing continued commitment to democracy and development.
- The party will pursue internal democracy and inclusive policies while engaging constructively with members.
- Jang offers an open-door approach to Mutfwang and urges all politicians to prioritise the interests of Plateau State.
