APC takes over Yobe Assembly as PDP lawmaker defects
The All Progressives Congress has taken full control of the Yobe State House of Assembly following the defection of the Minority Leader, Sadiq Attajiri, from the Peoples Democratic Party.
Attajiri, who represents Bade Central Constituency, was elected on the PDP platform in the 2023 general election and was the last remaining member of the opposition party in the Assembly.
His defection was confirmed on Sunday in a statement released on the verified Facebook page of former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, after Attajiri visited him in Abuja.
Lawan, who is also from Bade Central, described the development as a reflection of the “progressive and inclusive governance” of Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, as well as the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
“Hon. Attajiri is a vibrant and resourceful legislator, and his defection adds tremendous value to our party,” he said.
He added that the lawmaker would continue to enjoy strong support from his constituents under the APC.
“We must continue to work together to ensure the development of Bade Local Government and Yobe State for the benefit of our people,” Lawan stated.
PUNCH Online gathered that Attajiri’s decision followed weeks of consultations with political associates and constituents in his constituency.
He was accompanied during the visit by the Deputy Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Yau Dachia, former Speaker Adamu Dogo, and other stakeholders.
Although Attajiri could not be reached for comment as of press time, one of his associates, Nasiru Maimanja, confirmed the development.
Maimanja said the lawmaker would formally declare his defection in Gashua.
“He has been consulting widely for the past two months. Though he met Senator Lawan on Saturday, he will officially announce his defection either today or tomorrow,” he said.
The PDP initially won two seats in the Assembly in the 2023 elections, representing Nguru and Bade constituencies.
However, the earlier defection of Musa Majakura reduced the party’s strength to one seat.
With Attajiri’s exit, the APC now controls all 24 seats in the Yobe State House of Assembly, leaving the legislature without opposition members.