A notable politician from Nigeria, Jerry Damara, has formally left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Damara, a prominent businessman, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in a significant political move in the state.

On Thursday, Damara presented his APC membership card to Governor Muhammadu Yahaya at the Government House in Gombe. He was accompanied by some of his supporters, who also defected to the APC. According to Damara, his decision to leave the PDP was driven by the governor’s development initiatives and inclusive governance style.

Damara expressed his commitment to the APC, stating that his loyalty to the governor and his administration is now total. He praised the governor’s developmental efforts, describing them as “unstoppable.” The politician from the Tangale-Waja area also revealed that he had consulted with elders and stakeholders before making the decision to defect.

The move is seen as an effort to end years of political fragmentation in Gombe South and to consolidate support for the ruling party. Damara’s defection is one of the most significant political alignments in the state, highlighting the ongoing shifts in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

The APC has been working to consolidate its support base in various states, including Gombe, where Governor Yahaya has been implementing development projects and policies aimed at improving the lives of citizens. The PDP, on the other hand, has been seeking to regain its foothold in the state and nationally.

As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, political alignments and realignments are expected to continue. The elections will be a crucial test for the country’s democratic institutions and the major political parties, including the APC and the PDP. For now, Damara’s defection to the APC is seen as a significant development in Gombe State’s political landscape.