Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Wednesday welcomed two lawmakers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Gombe State House of Assembly who have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defecting legislators are Hon. Gabriel Galadima Fushison, representing Kaltungo West Constituency, and Hon. Malon Nimrod Yari, representing Shongom Constituency. They were led to the governor’s office by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, alongside the Deputy Speaker, Sadam Bello, and other principal officers of the Assembly.
Explaining their decision, the lawmakers said Governor Yahaya’s inclusive style of governance, leadership qualities and performance since assuming office informed their move to the APC. They noted that despite being in opposition, they were not marginalised, adding that their constituencies benefitted from government projects and programmes.
According to them, the governor’s fairness, accessibility and commitment to equitable development across the state convinced them to align with his administration in order to contribute more effectively to the development of Gombe State.
In his response, Governor Yahaya described the defection as a vote of confidence in his administration and its people-oriented policies. He assured the lawmakers of equal treatment and full integration within the APC, stressing that the party remains committed to unity, progress and service to the people.
The governor also commended the leadership and members of the Gombe State House of Assembly for their continued cooperation with the executive arm of government, noting that the cordial relationship between both arms has been critical to the peace, stability and development currently enjoyed in the state.
Governor Yahaya expressed confidence that sustained unity within the party would position the APC for success in the 2027 general elections, both in Gombe State and across the country.
The development follows the defection of the Minority Whip of the House, Zubairu Ayala, from the PDP to the APC earlier last year.
With the latest defections, the APC now controls 23 of the 24 seats in the Gombe State House of Assembly, further consolidating its dominance in the legislature.