Chidinma Iroegbu
The Gombe State House of Assembly has slipped into a new political reality, emerging as a one party legislature following the defection of its last opposition lawmaker to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The dramatic shift came on Saturday when Yakubu Daniel, representing Billiri East Constituency, formally crossed from the Peoples Democratic Party, effectively ending the presence of opposition voices in the 24 member Assembly.
His exit did not come as a surprise to keen observers. It marked the climax of a steady wave of defections that had gradually whittled down the ranks of the PDP within the legislature.
What began as isolated crossovers had, over time, evolved into a sweeping political realignment, leaving the opposition weakened and ultimately extinguished within the Assembly.
With Daniel’s defection, the APC now holds total control of all legislative seats, consolidating its grip on the political architecture of the state.
Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who received the lawmaker into the ruling party, described the development as a significant affirmation of his administration’s direction and leadership.
He said the decision reflected growing confidence in government policies, particularly in areas of transparency, fairness and service delivery.
According to the governor, the movement of the last remaining opposition member speaks loudly about the shifting political tide and the acceptance of the APC’s governance approach across the state.
He further emphasised that the administration remains open and inclusive, welcoming individuals willing to contribute to what he described as a collective vision for a better Gombe.
The development now leaves the state legislature without dissenting voices, raising fresh questions about the future of opposition politics and democratic balance within the state.