Lawal Yahaya Gumau, the senator representing Bauchi South senatorial district under the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), has defected to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi State. Gumau, a former member of the House of Representatives for Toro Federal Constituency, initially won his senate seat while running under the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, after failing to secure the APC ticket for the 2023 general elections, he switched to the NNPP, where he obtained the nomination following intense competition with the current Member of the House of Representatives for Bauchi Federal Constituency, Yakubu Shehu. It was reported that Gumau received support from the national leadership of the NNPP and its presidential candidate, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, which favored him over Shehu.
Despite his initial success, Gumau lost his re-election bid for the Senate, which coincided with the NNPP’s poor performance in the presidential and National Assembly elections. Consequently, he, along with his campaign coordinators and supporters, decided to leave the NNPP and join the ruling PDP. He announced his defection during an interactive session with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, where he expressed his support for the governor’s re-election campaign. Gumau urged his supporters across the senatorial district to vote en masse for the governor and all House of Assembly candidates in the upcoming elections on March 11.
Gumau praised Governor Mohammed’s performance, stating that it exceeded expectations and underscored the importance of supporting his re-election to facilitate further developmental projects for the benefit of the state and its residents. He emphasized that his decision to return to the PDP was motivated by his respect for Governor Mohammed, whom he referred to as Kauran Bauchi, his leader and mentor. Gumau remarked, “The most important thing is not about the party; it is the personality that attracted us to the party. I joined the governor now because I want my people to feel the impact of democracy.” He further highlighted the governor’s proactive leadership style, noting that he acts in the best interests of the people without needing to be prompted.
In response, Governor Bala Mohammed welcomed Gumau and his supporters to the PDP, assuring them of a fair platform to contribute positively to the party’s success in the upcoming governorship and state assembly elections. He expressed his commitment to working collaboratively with the new members to achieve victory for all candidates representing the PDP.
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