Nigerian Lawmaker Defects to Ruling APC, Cites Development Agenda
A member of the Nigerian House of Representatives from Gombe State has defected to the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), presenting his new membership card to the state governor.
Mr. Inuwa Garba, who represents the Yamaltu-Deba Federal Constituency, formally switched allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on Thursday. He presented his APC membership card, obtained from his local ward, to Governor Inuwa Yahaya in Gombe, the state capital.
Garba stated that his decision followed extensive consultations with constituents and political stakeholders across his federal constituency. He said the move signifies his full alignment with the ruling party at both state and national levels.
The lawmaker credited Governor Yahaya’s administration for its “people-centred policies” and cited ongoing infrastructure and social investment projects in Gombe State as key factors. He also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” as further motivation for his defection.
“The APC represents the future of progressive governance in Nigeria,” Garba remarked. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of Governor Yahaya and President Tinubu, his constituency would witness increased development.
Garba argued that national cohesion and economic stability are best achieved through collaboration with the ruling party. He pledged total loyalty to the APC and assured his constituents that his new affiliation would attract more federal development projects to Yamaltu-Deba.
Governor Yahaya welcomed Garba into the party, describing the defection as a significant endorsement of the APC’s performance in Gombe State. He stated it validated his administration’s development-focused model, which emphasizes infrastructure, human capital, and economic diversification.
The governor emphasized that the APC remains open to individuals committed to unity and growth. He noted that Garba’s entry would strengthen the party’s position in Gombe State ahead of future electoral cycles.
The defection underscores the continued fluidity of Nigeria’s political landscape, where lawmakers frequently switch parties, often citing developmental priorities and alignment with incumbents as primary reasons. Garba’s move increases the APC’s numerical strength in the House of Representatives from Gombe State and reinforces the party’s organizational dominance in the region. His shift is expected to influence the political dynamics within his constituency and the broader federal representation from the state.
