The All Progressives Congress (APC) has assumed full control of the Plateau State House of Assembly following the unexpected resignation of Speaker Gabriel Dewan on Wednesday.
In an emergency plenary session held at the temporary Assembly Complex in the Old Government House, Jos, the 24 members of the Assembly elected Hon. Nanloong Daniel of the APC as their new Speaker. Daniel previously served as the Majority Leader and represented Mikang State Constituency in the 9th Assembly.
Hon. Ajang Azi, also from the APC representing Jos North West State Constituency, was elected Deputy Speaker. Other principal officer positions were similarly filled by APC members, cementing the party's dominance in the legislative body.
Political Implications of the Leadership Change
The outgoing Speaker, who was elected on the Young Progressives Party (YPP) platform, was the only non-APC member in the House. Political analysts in Plateau State believe his resignation is part of broader peace efforts aimed at resolving political tensions that have plagued the state.
The APC gained majority control after the Court of Appeal sacked all lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), significantly altering the political landscape of the state legislature.
Inside sources revealed that Hon. Naanlong's election followed a crucial closed-door meeting earlier in the day involving Governor Caleb Mutfwang, former Speaker Dewan, and other key political figures. This meeting reportedly addressed the months-long impasse that had created a fractious relationship between the lawmakers and the state government.
With the APC now having absolute control of the House of Assembly, a significant power shift has occurred which many observers believe will align the state more closely with the federal government. There is also growing speculation about potential pressure on Governor Mutfwang to defect to the ruling party.
This development marks a significant turning point in Plateau State politics, potentially reshaping governance dynamics and party alignments in the coming months.
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