The political climate in Plateau State has taken a fresh twist as key figures from the state’s two major political parties — the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) — have resigned their membership, citing disillusionment and loss of confidence in party leadership and structures.
In the latest wave of defections, a prominent PDP stalwart, Nde Isaac Wadak, tendered his resignation in a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Kabwir Pada Ward, Kanke Local Government Area, Mr. Kichime Kassam. Similarly, Chief Robert Taple, a notable chieftain of the APC, announced his resignation in a letter submitted to the party’s State Secretariat at Kalwa House, Jos, through the Chairman of his Lankan Ward in Pankshin Local Government Area.
In his letter, Wadak lamented what he described as the collapse of the PDP’s founding principles and internal democracy, saying:
“I have watched as the ideals and philosophy on which the Party is founded are being eroded. Trust and loyalty are being sacrificed at the altar of mediocrity, while sycophants and rent-seekers are being rewarded.”
Wadak, a loyal member of former Governor Jonah Jang’s Redemption Team and one of those who worked for Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s 2023 election victory, said his decision to leave was guided by “conscience and conviction,” adding that the Party was “gradually sliding into irrelevance.”
On his part, Chief Taple said he chose to quit the APC to remain apolitical and “freely advise and work for the progress of Plateau and Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, in a bid to consolidate its base, the APC has set up a committee led by Elder Pam Gyang to receive returnees on October 30. The Party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, revealed that he continues to receive daily calls from individuals expressing interest in joining the APC.
The recent resignations have sparked renewed debate about the direction of Plateau’s political leadership ahead of the next electoral cycle.
