A major political shakeup has hit Gombe State as prominent businessman and politician, Jerry Damara, officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Naija News reports that Damara, a former PDP chieftain, was formally welcomed into the APC on Thursday at the Government House, Gombe, where he presented his membership card to Governor Muhammadu Yahaya.
The defection, which saw Damara accompanied by a large crowd of his loyal supporters, has been described by political observers as one of the most significant realignments in the state in recent years.
Explaining his move, Damara said he was inspired by the governor’s track record of developmental projects and inclusive governance.
“Your Excellency, from today, my loyalty to you and your administration is total. The developmental train you are driving is unstoppable, and I refuse to be left behind,” Damara declared.
The Tangale-Waja politician also disclosed that his decision followed extensive consultations with elders and stakeholders in Gombe South. According to him, the collective resolution was to put an end to political divisions and embrace the APC for progress and unity.
Meanwhile, on the national scene, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 elections, Adewole Adebayo, clarified speculations surrounding former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Responding to questions on El-Rufai’s political alignment, Adebayo stated that the former governor is not a registered member of the SDP. He, however, noted that El-Rufai would be welcome should he choose to join.
“What I can say, based on party records, is that he is not a member of the SDP. If he wishes to join, the door is open, but the process must follow due registration through the ward level and national secretariat,” Adebayo explained.
The twin developments have further fueled speculations about shifting political alliances as Nigeria gradually builds toward the 2027 general elections.
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