Jang dismisses defection rumours, reaffirms PDP loyalty amid Plateau political uncertainty

Jonah David Jang, a former Plateau State governor, has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that he has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to either the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In a statement by Clinton Garuba, his media consultant, made available to Journalists on Sunday in Jos, Jang described the report as fake and misleading, attributing it to the handiwork of mischief-makers bent on confusing the polity.

The statement clarified that, although the former governor would ordinarily have ignored such claims, it became necessary to respond to set the record straight and reassure party members and the general public.

Jang, also a former senator, reaffirmed that he remains a committed and founding member of the PDP, which he described as the party of pride of the Nigerian people, stressing that he has no intention of leaving the party.

He acknowledged that the PDP is currently facing internal challenges and turbulent times, but expressed confidence that the various court cases arising from the crises would eventually resolve the issues.

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The former governor believes that these legal processes will restore order, unity and stability within the party and reposition it for future political relevance.

The clarification comes against the backdrop of recent political realignments in Plateau State, particularly the defection of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who emerged as governor with the political backing and influence of Jonah Jang.

While Mutfwang’s defection has fueled public debate, it remains unclear whether the governor will continue to recognise Jang as his political godfather despite now belonging to different political parties.

“The attention of Senator Dr Jonah David Jang has been drawn to a fake report circulating on social media about his purported defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ADC and, in some quarters, to the SDP. As a founding member of the PDP, Senator Jang remains firmly in the party of the pride of the Nigerian people.

“Even though the PDP is going through turbulent times, it is the firm belief of Distinguished Senator Jang that the numerous ongoing court cases will bring an end to the various crises and return the party to the pinnacle of Nigerian politics, where it rightfully belongs,” the statement added.

Nathaniel Gbaoron

Nathaniel E. Gbaoron is the Plateau State correspondent for BusinessDay and a seasoned journalist with a decade of experience covering sub-national affairs across Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and other states. He holds both National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mass Communication from Fidel Polytechnic, Gboko. Over the years, he has participated in numerous media trainings and workshops spanning various areas of reporting, strengthening his expertise in economic and political reporting, community-level governance, development stories, and conflict-sensitive journalism. He is a member of Correspondent Chapel in Plateau state, a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), he is also a Rotarian and a member of Plateau Club 1921.