Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya's administration now fully controls the Gombe State House of Assembly after Hon. Yakubu Daniel, the sole opposition member, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Representing Billiri East Constituency, Daniel, widely known as Shetiman Bare, formally joined the ruling party in a ceremony at Government House. His move leaves no PDP members in the state legislature, following earlier defections of other opposition lawmakers, including members of the minority leadership.
The defection was confirmed in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs at Government House. Governor Inuwa Yahaya welcomed Daniel, calling the shift a strong endorsement of his administration and the APC's governance model under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. He promised fairness and inclusiveness within the party, stating that growing support across constituencies reflects public confidence in his policies.
Daniel said he was drawn to the APC by the governor's transparent, accountable and impactful leadership style. He pledged full loyalty to the party and committed to advancing its interests in Billiri East and beyond. The Speaker and other lawmakers were present at the defection event.
The Gombe Assembly is now a one-party chamber, and Governor Inuwa Yahaya is the clear political architect of that reality. With the last PDP member gone, including former minority leaders who have already switched sides, the idea of legislative checks within the state has effectively collapsed. This consolidation of power means policy debates will likely mirror executive preferences, not public dissent. For residents of Gombe, the absence of opposition voices in lawmaking may mean less scrutiny of decisions that directly affect their lives.
