Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Bashir Lawandi, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing alignment with the political direction of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Lawandi completed his defection on Monday at Abba Nashehu Ward in Jos North, where he was formally registered as a member of the APC and issued a party membership card in the presence of party leaders and supporters.
Speaking shortly after his reception, the commissioner described the move as a deliberate and well-considered decision, marking a new phase in his political journey.
He disclosed that he had only recently participated in a PDP intervention meeting on December 29 but confirmed that he has now completely severed ties with the party.
“As of today, I am no longer in the PDP. By God’s grace, I am now a registered and card-carrying member of the APC,” Lawandi said.
The commissioner explained that his decision was guided by loyalty to Governor Mutfwang, whom he described as his political leader and mentor.
“Wherever my leader goes, I will go. He is committed to development, and that is the vision we share. We also remain loyal to the President. For us today, the political leader is Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang,” he stated.
Lawandi further revealed that his defection reflects a broader shift within Jos North, noting that several prominent PDP stakeholders have also moved to the APC.
According to him, the former PDP chairman of the local government personally accompanied him during his registration, alongside other party leaders and officials.
“This is not a one-man decision. The Deputy Chairman, the Local Government Chairman, councillors, and many key PDP figures in Jos North have all joined the APC,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the APC’s growing influence, Lawandi described the party as Nigeria’s leading political platform and voiced optimism ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He assured supporters of his continued loyalty to Governor Mutfwang and expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in Plateau State.
Party officials at the ward and local government levels welcomed the commissioner into the APC, describing his defection as a significant addition that strengthens the party’s position in Jos North and beyond.
