The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State has welcomed the defection of Daniel Asama, a member of the House of Representatives representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, declaring that the party is no longer in opposition in the state.
Asama, who was elected on the platform of the Labour Party, officially joined the APC alongside five other lawmakers from Enugu State during plenary on Thursday. Their letters of defection were read by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.
In a statement issued by the APC’s Publicity Secretary, Shittu Bamaiyi, the party described Asama’s defection as a major boost and a reflection of the growing appeal of the APC in Plateau State.
“The APC on the Plateau is home and dry. Hon. Asama, formerly of the Labour Party, amid a standing ovation on the floor of the Green Chamber this afternoon, decided to cross over to the APC in view of what he described as President Tinubu’s outstanding performance and the appointment of Dr Bernard Doro as a minister-designate,” Bamaiyi said.
He added that the influx of “politicians of substance” into the APC shows that the party’s influence is expanding rapidly across the state.
“The APC is profoundly elated and encouraged by the influx of politicians of substance who have continued to cross over to the party in Plateau State in recent times,” he stated.
With the state legislature reportedly 99 percent controlled by APC members, Bamaiyi said the development cements the party’s dominance in Plateau politics.
“This development, coupled with the fact that the state legislature is 99 percent controlled by the APC, gives weight to the claim that the party is no longer in opposition in the state,” he added.
Bamaiyi also credited Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, the party’s National Chairman, for reshaping Plateau’s political landscape in favour of the APC.
“Since the election of Dr Nentawe Yilwatda as the National Chairman of the APC, there has been a major shift in political calculations in favour of the party in the state,” he said.
The party further hinted that more defections are expected soon, amid rumours that four members of the state executive council may also join the ruling party.
“While welcoming Hon. Asama on board, rumours are rife that four members of the state executive council, whose identities remain under wraps, will soon join the bandwagon,” Bamaiyi added.
