Published by Rimawa Global News
The political configuration of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly has shifted as two lawmakers elected under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers are Hon. Musa Saidu Gude (Uke/Karshi Constituency) and Hon. Onarigu Onah Kana (Udege/Loko Constituency). Their formal defection was announced by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau, during plenary on Tuesday in Lafia.
Speaker Jatau, while reading their letters of defection, commended the lawmakers for what he described as a wise and patriotic decision, aligning themselves with the progressive agenda of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration.
He appealed to the leadership of the APC in Nasarawa State to consider the defected lawmakers for automatic tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying their move was in the interest of unity and progress.
“I want to appeal to the State APC to give the defected lawmakers a soft landing through automatic tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the Speaker stated.
The Speaker further explained that the lawmakers’ decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders and constituents who endorsed their defection based on the developmental strides of Governor Sule across the state.
In their separate letters read at the plenary, Hon. Onarigu Onah Kana cited the lingering crisis within the SDP at the national level as his reason for leaving the party, while Hon. Musa Saidu Gude attributed his defection to his admiration for the APC’s ideology, programs, and policies.
Responding to the development, Mr. Yarius Dagusa, the State Secretary of the APC, described the lawmakers’ defection as a welcome development and assured them of equal rights and privileges within the party.
Dagusa, however, cautioned APC gubernatorial and other aspirants against castigating one another on social media, emphasizing that such actions undermine party unity. He urged aspirants to adhere strictly to the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
In their remarks, both Hon. Gude and Hon. Kana reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC, expressing readiness to work for the success of the party and the development of the state. They also commended the SDP for previously providing them the platform that brought them to the Assembly, but maintained that the APC now aligns better with their political convictions.
Meanwhile, Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki, the lone remaining SDP lawmaker representing Lafia Central Constituency, said while his colleagues had the right to defect, he remains committed to the SDP.
“As I am speaking, I am still a member of SDP in the state. I will continue to provide the much-needed dividends of democracy to my people,” he affirmed.
Akwashiki, however, disagreed with Hon. Kana’s claim that the SDP was in crisis, maintaining that the party remains united at all levels.
With the latest development, the composition of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly now stands as follows: APC – 15 members, PDP – 8 members, and SDP – 1 member.
