From Atang Izang, Jos
Mass defections of key members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as well as other opposition p of such notable politician Hon. Bitrus Kaze who represented Jos East/Jos South Federal Constituency in the Sixth & Seventh Assembly on Monday 2, June 2025, formerly resigns his membership of the party, citing irreconcilable lingering issues within the party that not only affects him as an individual but also his innocent supporters.
In a two-page letter addressed to the Chairman of Party of Shere West Ward, Jos East Local Government Area, titled: ‘Resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’, gave congeal reasons that led to his decision to leave the party that he has been member ever since.
Although Kaze admitted that the PDP had afforded him the platform to serve, and though his own records gave credence to his service trajectory, which kept him in the lower chamber for eight years, despite a six-month suspension in 2010 after an altercation spearheaded by Dino Melaye and other members of their group.
Hon Kaze noted that his troubles stated on a large scale when he suggested that the 2015 PDP gubernatorial ticket be zoned to Plateau South senatorial zone, which turned down by the powers that be in the party at the time.
He said: “All hell was let loose after I suggested that the 2015 PDP gubernatorial ticket be zoned to Plateau South. I have been tormented, ostracised and subjected to all manner of character mutilation including my clandestine proclamation as ‘Enemy of Plateau’. But that’s okay, persisting on one’s conviction can be costly. Worrisome however, is the unabating victimisation of innocuous party faithful who dare to align with me”.
Hon Kaze who does not shy from saying his mind especially on critical issues, recounted what seems to be the genesis of his political ordeals and internal persecution by his own party, said in December 2014, the PDP disqualified 4 out of the 5 council chairmanship aspirants in Jos East on the eve of their primary election without any reason whatsoever.
According to him, the venue of the election was moved to Jos North where elections had been suspended “for security reasons”. Adding, “At the 2024 PDP ward congresses, all EXCO members in Shere West (my home ward), were unanimously returned elected for a second term”.
He further explained that “but regimental lords stationed at the PDP command centre opposite NTA Jos brazenly overruled the people’s mandate. They rejected Yakubu Izang Sarki’s election as our ward Chairman, because he insists that any disciplinary action targeted at me or any party faithful must follow due process. The Jos East PDP EXCO who emerged via court-ordered LGA congress in 2021, were replaced in bulk at the LGA congresses of 2024, when their four-year tenure had not elapsed”.
In a philosophical expression, the longest serving member of parliament submitted that he may strive to develop a thick skin against all forms of malevolent storms, “but I shouldn’t continue to be the reason why innocent individuals continue to be disenfranchised. Accordingly, I resign my membership of the PDP with immediate effect, hoping that this pacifies the garrison commanders at the state party secretariat to end the spate of persecutions”.
Rep. Bitrus Kaze not only tenders his resignation letter, he also attached his PDP membership card to ensure that he cuts every string with the party he had so well represented and defended.
Although Kaze is yet to pitch tent with any other party, but feelers have it that it might be to the vibrant APC which has continued to receive defectors from other parties.
It would be recalled and very recently too, that the Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 governorship election in the state, Prof. Patrick Sunday Dakum defected with his key supporters to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC.
Prof. Dakum before his defection to the LP preparatory to the 2023 guber polls, he was of the APC, therefore, his return is only seen as homecoming especially by his admirers and supporters.
