The ranks of the membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau state have continued to deplete following the defection of large members of the redemption camp of former Governor Jonah Jang.

In the latest wave of defection, a key ally of Jang in Kanke local government area, Isaac Wadak, and his followers on Saturday announced his resignation from the party.

He is followed by Charles Felix Koproda, a former chairman of Pankshin local government area, who equally tendered his resignation letter to his ward chairman in Pankshin central.

They, and thousands of others from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), PDP and Labour Party are among those the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Nentawe Yilwatda will be received in a massive rally next week.

In his resignation letter to the Chairman of Kabwir Pada ward in Kanke, Kichime Kassam, Wadak said that as a member of the party since 1998, he had contributed

materially and physically to the development of the party.

He said, “I have been a loyal and trusted member of the Redemption Team of former Governor Jonah Jang and lately contributed immensely to the electoral victory of Governor Caleb Mutfwang in the 2023 governorship election.

“Unfortunately I have watched as the ideals and philosophy on which the party is founded is seriously being eroded. Trust and loyalty are being sacrificed at the alter of mediocrity. Loyal members are being sidelined while sycophants, rent-seekers and those who

have no records of service to the party are being rewarded.

“Having watched the gradual slide of PDP into irrelevance, my conscience and

conviction would not allow me to continue to be a member of the party.

Also in his resignation letter, Koproda said his resignation became imminent in view of the deteriorating state of the party, adding, “The hitherto high-octane ideals of the party have become evasive and elusive. I have watched with mounting agitation as self -interest, antagonistic interest and opportunism pervaded the space and replaced positive enterprise.

Meanwhile the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State has unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.

The endorsement was unveiled during a stakeholders meeting in Jos attended by the National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, former Governor and leader of the party in the State Senator Simon Bako Lalong, former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase, former Governor Joshua Dariye, former Minister Dame Pauline Tallen, MD/CEO North Central Development Commission Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, serving and former members of the State and National Assembly and hundreds of party faithful.

Former Deputy National Secretary of the APC Barr. Festus Fuanter moved the motion to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole candidate for the party in 2027 which was seconded by state APC woman leader Hon. Alice Dimlong. The stakeholders overwhelmingly supported the motion.

Leader of the party in Plateau State Senator Lalong welcomed the decision of the party and said the President deserves a second term for not only working hard to touch the lives of Nigerians, but also carrying Plateau State along in his government right from when he appointed him the DG of his campaign in 2023.

According to him, the appointment of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe as APC National Chairman is a great blessing to Plateau State which not only opens access and development, but is also a sign that good things will continue to come to Plateau people through the APC.

He said Plateau APC is united and one party as all differences have been resolved with all structures coming together for the progress of the state and nation at large.

Lalong also said members who earlier left the party are back including those who have left other political parties including the current one running the government in Plateau State to join the APC.

National Chairman of APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, speaking commended members of the party in the state for their steadfastness and commitment to the growth of the party, adding that the gale of defection to the APC in recent times was a clear demonstration of its acceptance and the feasible achievements recorded by the president within two years in office.

Yiltwatda disclosed that there are quite a lot of members of other political parties waiting in the wings to defect to the APC, adding that the party has been satisfied to be free from any form of bacterial infection, hence the influx into the party.

“I can categorically tell you, by next week I am going to receive some of the notable figures in the ADC; it is not just PDP members that are defecting into our party. I can tell you that many of the ADC members have indicated their interests either to return or go join afresh.

“Some of them have finished their medicals (screening); we shall be unveiling them. next week. And in another two weeks’ time, we shall be unveiling them. Some of them are governors and both serving and former National Assembly members, including both serving and former governors.

“Mr. President has proven to be a friend of the minority, especially Plateau State; he has given the minority a voice. We have reasons to support and make sure he returns in 2027. I am not ashamed to speak about him anywhere; he has proved many people wrong, especially those who were against him in the last election. Therefore, we are prepared to support him this time around.”

He assured those who defected to the party of equal rights with those who have been on the ground, adding that the party strongly believes in equal treatment, and told them to feel at home.

He appreciated the members for their endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term which he said was deserved because the President has revived the economy of the country and set the nation on path of progress.

He said the President holds Plateau State and APC family in great esteem particularly due to the rousing welcome he recieved when he attended the funeral of his mother recently.

Nentawe also thanked members of the party for their solidarity and goodwill during the demise and burial of his mother.

The party, he said, is growing more stronger everyday and receiving new members from various political parties, assuring that those who are joining the party will be given all privileges and rights.

He said the party will soon unveil an empowerment plan that will impact youths, women and other special groups.

He also said the 30th October 2025 has been chosen as the day to receive detectors to be witnessed by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The Committee will be chaired by Arch. P.D. Gyang, a member of the APC elders Committee.

State APC Chairman Hon. Rufus Bature welcomed the National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, leader Senator Simon Bako Lalong and other stakeholders for coming home to meet with the teaming members and appreciate them. (The Sun)