APC Achieves Total Dominance in Gombe State House of Assembly Following Final PDP Defection

The APC now holds all seats in the Gombe House of Assembly after the final PDP lawmaker, Hon. Yakubu Daniel, defected to the ruling party on April 4, 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 4, 2026, 11:09 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Trust.

The End of Opposition Presence in Gombe

In a significant shift for the political landscape of Gombe State, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured absolute control over the State House of Assembly. The transition was finalized on April 4, 2026, following the defection of Hon. Yakubu Daniel, the last remaining member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state legislature. Known popularly as "Shetiman Bare," Daniel represented the Billiri East Constituency and was the final holdout in an assembly that has seen a steady stream of opposition exits over the past year.

Governor Yahaya Welcomes the Defection

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya received Hon. Daniel at the Government House in Gombe, accompanied by the Speaker of the House and other high-ranking APC officials. In a statement issued by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs, the Governor characterized the defection as a "strong endorsement" of the APC’s governance style. Yahaya assured the incoming lawmaker of equal opportunities and inclusiveness, asserting that the party’s total dominance is a reflection of public confidence in both state policies and the national "Renewed Hope Agenda" of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Motivations Behind the Move

Speaking on his decision to switch parties, Hon. Daniel cited Governor Yahaya’s leadership style—which he described as transparent and impactful—as the primary motivator for his exit from the PDP. He pledged his full loyalty to the APC and expressed readiness to contribute to the party’s growth within his constituency. This move follows a broader trend in Gombe, where minority leadership and other opposition figures have gradually integrated into the ruling party, effectively neutralizing any legislative pushback against the executive branch.