Mohammed Isimbabi, the representative for Toto/Gadabuke Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has switched his allegiance from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Danladi Jatau, the Speaker of the House, announced this change during proceedings on Monday in Lafia while reading Mr. Isimbabi’s defection letter.
The Speaker stated that Mr. Isimbabi cited the ongoing divisions within the NNPP at the national level as the primary reason for his decision to join the APC.
Mr. Jatau praised the lawmaker for his courageous move to join the ruling party in the state. “I want to commend him for making this significant decision to join the APC. His defection is welcome as a leader of the House,” he remarked.
The Speaker believes that Mr. Isimbabi’s move will enhance the APC’s standing.
Aliyu Bello, the APC chairman in the state, also lauded Mr. Isimbabi for becoming part of the progressive party. “Hon. Isimbabi’s defection is very significant. This is a hallmark of democracy, especially since he was formerly one of us,” he noted.
With the crisis currently plaguing the NNPP at the national level, Mr. Bello emphasized the necessity of Mr. Isimbabi joining the APC to contribute to the state and national development. He also commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for his advancements in the state’s progress.
Mr. Bello added, “Honourable Isimbabi’s decision to join the party is influenced by the governor’s developmental achievements. He has mentioned that five more members will soon follow suit and join the APC.”
He claimed that there is no longer a significant presence of the PDP in the country, stating, “The PDP has failed both in government and opposition.”
Mr. Bello assured that the APC is open to welcoming new members, announcing, “Very soon, five lawmakers will join the APC in the state,” and promised equity and fairness within the party.
Musa Abubakar (NNPP-Doma South) congratulated Mr. Isimbabi on his defection and indicated that he plans to join the APC soon as well. He stated, “Mr. Isimbabi’s defection is a positive development. We share common political interests. I will be leaving the NNPP soon.”
In response, Mr. Isimbabi reiterated that he defected due to the internal divisions within the NNPP. He expressed gratitude to the NNPP for providing him the platform to run for office, which led to his election as a member of the assembly.
The lawmaker assured his constituents that he would continue to work to improve their quality of life. “Before making this decision, I consulted with the six electoral wards of my constituency. They have given me the go-ahead to switch to the APC,” he said.
