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.
Supporters of Senator I. D. Gyang have called for a review of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election results in Plateau North, alleging irregularities in the conduct of the exercise.
In a statement issued by the Director General of the I. D. Gyang Campaign Council, Comrade Lot Adas, the group expressed concern over what it described as a lack of transparency in the primary process.
The statement claimed that the outcome of the exercise did not reflect the wishes of party members, insisting that credible internal democracy must be upheld to preserve trust within the APC.
According to the group, party strength is rooted in grassroots participation, warning that any process that sidelines members’ votes could weaken unity and confidence in the party structure.
It further alleged that the Plateau North senatorial primary was not conducted in a manner consistent with due process, describing the results as unacceptable to many stakeholders within the constituency.
The supporters urged the APC leadership to ensure fairness and justice by reviewing the conduct and outcome of the primaries in line with party guidelines and democratic principles.
They also referenced ongoing considerations by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), expressing hope that the leadership would take corrective action after reviewing reports from relevant committees.
While calling for a review, the group appealed to party members and supporters to remain calm and peaceful, stressing that their demand is rooted in fairness, equity, and respect for internal democracy.
The statement reaffirmed commitment to the unity and progress of the APC in Plateau North, while insisting that only a credible and transparent process can strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
Signed:
Comrade Lot Adas
Director General, I. D. Gyang Campaign Council
Samuel Danauta Kyarshik has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement for the 2027 general elections in Plateau State.
Kyarshik emerged through a consensus affirmation process during the party’s governorship primary election held in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Samuel Kyarshik
The exercise was supervised by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Solomon Luka, who said the process followed the party’s constitutional guidelines for consensus primaries.
Luka explained that the emergence of only one cleared aspirant made the consensus option necessary and straightforward.
“We are here to make it official because by our guidelines we have only two ways of conducting primaries; either direct primaries or consensus. Since there is only one aspirant, all we need to do is use the consensus option,” he stated.
Following consultations with delegates and party stakeholders present at the venue, Luka formally declared Kyarshik as the party’s authentic governorship candidate after no objections were raised.
Speaking shortly after his emergence, Kyarshik described the affirmation as the beginning of a new chapter for Plateau State, promising inclusive governance, peace, and economic transformation if elected governor in 2027.
According to him, Plateau State possesses enormous human and natural resources capable of driving development and prosperity.
“Plateau State is too rich to be poor,” he declared, while blaming years of poor leadership for the economic and social challenges confronting the state.
The APM governorship candidate pledged to focus on restoring unity, improving infrastructure, creating opportunities for residents, and addressing insecurity across the state.
On security, Kyarshik assured residents that his administration would prioritise the protection of lives and property, stressing that leadership requires sacrifice and commitment to the people.
Also speaking, the Plateau State Chairman of the APM, Mohammed Abdullahi Danbaba, said the party was determined to provide purposeful leadership and tackle challenges such as insecurity, poor roads, and lack of basic amenities.
Danbaba described Kyarshik as a loyal and capable leader with the qualities needed to move Plateau State forward.
In his remarks, Emmanuel Goladi said the party was prepared to offer a new style of leadership built on teamwork, unity, and practical solutions to the state’s challenges.
Goladi identified insecurity as one of the major issues facing Plateau State, adding that the party had developed strategies aimed at ensuring lasting peace and development across the state.