The Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Bashir Lawandi, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), in what appears to be part of a wider political shift in Jos North.
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 amid cheers from party supporters.
Speaking after his registration, the commissioner described the move as a carefully thought-out decision and the beginning of a new phase in his political journey.
He disclosed that he had attended a PDP intervention meeting on December 29 but stressed that he has now completely parted ways with the party.
“Today, I am no longer a member of the PDP. By the grace of God, I am now a card-carrying member of the APC,” he said.
Lawandi explained that his decision was guided by loyalty to Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, whom he described as his leader and mentor.
“Wherever my leader goes, I will go. He is committed to development, and that is the vision we believe in. We also remain loyal to the President. For us today, the leader is Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang,” he stated.
Beyond his personal decision, the commissioner revealed that the defection reflects a broader realignment in Jos North, noting that several influential PDP figures have also moved to the APC.
According to him, the former PDP chairman in the local government personally accompanied him during his APC registration, alongside other party leaders.
“This movement is not about just one person. The Deputy Chairman, the Local Government Chairman, councillors, and many key PDP stakeholders in Jos North have all joined the APC,” Lawandi said.
Expressing confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections, Lawandi described the APC as Nigeria’s leading political platform and pledged continued loyalty to Governor Mutfwang.
APC leaders at the ward and local government levels welcomed the commissioner’s defection, describing it as a major boost for the party in Jos North and across Plateau State.
