“No Shaking”: Jonah Jang Dismisses Fears Over Mutfwang’s Exit, Insists PDP Is Still Strong Ahead of 2027

Former Plateau State Governor and respected leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Jonah David Jang, has played down concerns arising from the recent defection of Governor Caleb Mutfwang from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the party remains stable, focused, and well-positioned for the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to the development through his media consultant, Clinton Garuba, Jang described the resignation of the sitting governor as unfortunate but far from catastrophic. According to him, political parties are larger than individuals, and the PDP, with its long history and nationwide structure, cannot be shaken by the movement of one political office holder, regardless of his current status.

Jang urged PDP members, supporters, and sympathisers—especially those in Plateau State—not to lose faith or panic over the governor’s decision. He emphasized that defections are not new in Nigerian politics and have never been a reliable indicator of electoral success. In his words, “PDP members and supporters are enjoined to remain confident and committed to the party. The PDP is not collapsing; it is reorganising and preparing for the future.”

The former governor maintained that the strength of the PDP lies in its grassroots support, ideology, and enduring presence across the country. He argued that political power in Nigeria ultimately rests with the electorate, not with transient political alliances or last-minute cross-carpeting driven by personal ambition.

Jang’s remarks have sparked intense debate among political observers and social media commentators, many of whom see Governor Mutfwang’s defection as part of a broader wave of political realignments ahead of 2027. While the ruling APC appears confident that the influx of governors and high-profile politicians signals growing dominance, critics argue that such optimism may be misplaced.

Several commentators have dismissed the idea that governors alone can determine electoral outcomes. They point to recent election results as evidence that incumbency and state power do not always translate into votes. The 2023 presidential election, frequently referenced in the debate, is cited as a clear example where some governors failed to deliver their states despite openly supporting particular candidates.

One contributor argued that politics remains fundamentally local and that voters often make independent choices regardless of their governors’ affiliations. The example of Peter Obi winning several states without having governors, councillors, or state machinery behind him was repeatedly highlighted as proof that popular support can override elite consensus.

Others, however, countered that governors still matter significantly, especially when they are deeply rooted at the grassroots and actively mobilize resources. They cited cases such as Osun, Benue, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom, where gubernatorial influence played a role in shaping voting patterns. The debate underscores a long-standing tension in Nigerian politics between elite control and popular will.

In Plateau State specifically, some residents and political watchers believe Governor Mutfwang’s move to the APC may have weakened his local standing rather than strengthened it. According to these voices, the defection has alienated core supporters who brought him to power under the PDP platform, while simultaneously unsettling long-standing APC stakeholders whose ambitions may now be threatened. Without the backing of influential figures like Jonah Jang, they argue, political structures alone may not be enough to secure future victories.

Beyond Plateau, the broader national conversation reflects growing scepticism about the assumption that defections guarantee electoral success. Many Nigerians believe that hardship, economic pressures, and governance failures will weigh more heavily on voters’ decisions than party symbols or political endorsements. As one commenter bluntly put it, “The only VIPs on election day are the people.”

In concluding his message, Jonah Jang reiterated his belief that time, not political noise, will reveal the true balance of power. He expressed confidence that the PDP, if united and strategic, can weather the current storm and re-emerge stronger. For him, the journey to 2027 is not about panic or propaganda, but patience, organisation, and trust in the democratic process.

As Nigeria inches closer to another defining election cycle, Jang’s “no shaking” stance captures a broader sentiment within the opposition: that while defections may dominate headlines, the final verdict will be delivered by voters at the ballot box.