Gov. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on Thursday in Gombe described the defection of Hon. Jerry Joseph Damara, a prominent Tangale-Waja politician and businessman, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as historic.
Damara, a former PDP chieftain, was accompanied to the Government House by a high-powered delegation from Gombe South Senatorial District, where he formally presented his new APC membership card obtained at his Kulishin Ward in Shongom Local Government Area.
Speaking during the event on Thursday, Yahaya said the defection signaled a major breakthrough for the ruling party, not only in Gombe but also at the national level.
“I am deeply elated to witness the presence of the crème de la crème of Tangale-Waja politics, and indeed, of Gombe State as a whole.
“Any defector who is accompanied by three former deputy governors, four serving local government chairmen, four members of the State House of Assembly and members of the State Executive Council is not a politician to be taken lightly.
“This is a major political breakthrough for our party in Tangale-Waja,’’ he said.
The governor noted that the calibre of political figures who accompanied Damara underscored his political weight and influence in the zone, adding that the alliance would strengthen the APC in Gombe South.
He used the occasion to highlight his administration’s achievements in the senatorial district, citing roads projects such as Balanga South-North and Tula-Yiri, as well as upgrades to healthcare centres and schools across the 40 wards.
Yahaya also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as courageous leadership and the tough economic reforms being pursued by the Federal Government.
In his remarks, Damara said his decision to join the APC was motivated by the governor’s developmental strides and inclusive governance style.
“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,’’ he said.
He disclosed that after wide consultations with political leaders and stakeholders from Tangale-Waja, they resolved to end years of political fragmentation and embrace the APC as a united bloc.
Damara was accompanied by a heavyweight delegation including former deputy governors Charles Iliya, Ta’anda Rubainu and Sen. Joshua Lidani; local government chairmen of Shongom, Kaltungo, Billiri and Balanga; as well as four serving members of the Gombe State House of Assembly.
Also in attendance were former federal lawmakers, members of the State Executive Council, APC leaders and top government officials.
Gov. Yahaya received the defectors alongside the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari, and state commissioners.
