Defection Drama in Gombe: Reps Member Inuwa Garba Dumps PDP for APC, Backs Inuwa Yahaya’s Leadership

The political landscape in Gombe State witnessed a significant shift as Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya received Hon. Inuwa Garba, the lawmaker representing Yamaltu-Deba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, following his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Hon. Garba paid a courtesy visit to the governor to formally announce his move and presented his APC membership card, which he obtained from his ward in Lubo, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area, affirming his full return to the ruling party.

Speaking during the meeting, the federal lawmaker attributed his defection to what he described as the visionary leadership and impressive developmental strides of Governor Inuwa Yahaya across Gombe State. He also expressed confidence in the reform-driven agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the APC provides a stronger and more reliable platform for sustainable national growth.

According to him, the party’s governance philosophy aligns with his commitment to effective representation and grassroots development.

“The APC remains the beacon of progressive governance in Nigeria. With the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya in Gombe and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the national level, I am confident that our people will continue to witness tangible development and inclusive policies,” he said.

Hon. Garba pledged his loyalty to the APC and assured the governor of his readiness to work for the unity and advancement of the party in Yamaltu-Deba and beyond.

In his remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya warmly welcomed the lawmaker, describing his decision as bold and reflective of his dedication to the welfare of his constituents. He said the defection signals growing public trust in the APC’s governance model in the state.

The governor emphasised that his administration remains focused on delivering people-orientated projects, strengthening infrastructure, expanding opportunities in education and healthcare, and driving economic diversification for long-term prosperity.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who was recently appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Renethe Renewed Hope Ambassador and Secretary for Party Outreach, Engagement, and Mobilisationted that Hon. Garba’s entry into the APC further reinforces the party’s strength in Gombe State and positions it strategically for future political contests.

The development is widely seen as a major boost for the APC’s structure in Yamaltu-Deba Federal Constituency and a clear sign of shifting political alliances ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.

APC Moves to Mend Fences: Buni Leads Conflict-Resolution Drive Governance, Party Stability

By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu

Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni is leading the APC Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation Committee (CRMC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said the committee will create strategies to resolve pending disputes and manage political threats to the ruling party.

The CRMC was inaugurated last month in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. During the event, Buni said the committee will use wide consultations and strategic engagements to produce productive results.

He noted that the team will engage aggrieved party members and other key stakeholders across the country.

The governor stressed that the committee is built to endure.

He said it will foster a sense of belonging among new and old APC members.

It will also give confidence to aggrieved members and prepare the party for future elections.

The committee will also take proactive measures against potential political threats.

It will apply conflict-resolution methods at both the state and national levels to protect the party.

Several APC governors attended the inauguration.

They included Governors Abdulrahman AbduRazak, Hope Uzodimma, Hyacinth Alia, Uba Sani, Siminalayi Fubara and Umar Namadi of Kwara, Imo, Benue, Kaduna, Rivers and Jigawa states.

Other members included Governors Bassey Otu of Cross River, Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State.

Top APC stalwarts were also present.

They included Sen. Adamu Aliero, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello also attended.

Other members included Ibrahim Masari, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Affairs, and Muiz Banire (SAN), who served as the Secretary of the committee.

Buni urged party members to avoid personal interests and sentiments.

He stressed that unity is key to the success of the committee and the party.

Zulum Denies Endorsing APC Candidates Ahead of Party Congresses

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has dismissed rumours suggesting he has endorsed candidates for key executive positions ahead of the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) congresses at both national and state levels.

The governor made the clarification in a statement issued in Maiduguri by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, who described the reports as false and mischievous.

According to the statement, the allegations are being circulated by individuals seeking to create division within the ruling party.

“There is no truth in the claim that Governor Zulum has anointed anyone for executive positions within the APC,” Iliya said.

Zulum insisted that he has never endorsed candidates in Gwoza Local Government Area or in any of the 27 LGAs across Borno.

“Let me categorically state that I have not anointed any person for the position of Chairman or Secretary of APC in Gwoza Council during the forthcoming party congress,” the governor stated.

“I also wish to stress that I have not anointed any person for any position at the APC congress in any of the 27 LGAs.”

He urged party members and supporters to disregard the speculation, describing it as a deliberate attempt to derail the party from its focus on good governance and accountability.

Zulum instead encouraged stakeholders to participate in constructive consultations aimed at producing credible candidates for all positions through internal democratic processes.

“This is democracy at work, and through it we will continue to deliver dividends of democracy at both state and council levels,” he added.