By Umar Muhammed, Lafia
The political tide in Nasarawa State shifted on Tuesday as two lawmakers of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the State House of Assembly — Musa Saidu Gude (Uke/Karshi) and Onarigu Onah Kana (Udege/Loko) — dumped the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Their defection was formally announced by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, during plenary in Lafia.
Welcoming the lawmakers, Jatau hailed their decision as timely and patriotic, commending them for aligning with the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule, whose developmental strides, he said, continue to transform the state.
The Speaker appealed to the leadership of the APC in the state to reward the defectors with automatic tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that their decision would further strengthen the party’s base.
Reading their separate letters of defection, Jatau said both lawmakers explained that their move followed extensive consultations with their constituents.
Onarigu Onah Kana cited internal wrangling within the SDP at the national level as a major factor behind his defection, while Musa Saidu Gude said he was inspired by the APC’s clear policy direction and commitment to good governance.
Reacting, the APC State Secretary, Yarius Dagusa, described their defection as a “positive reinforcement” for the party, assuring the lawmakers of equal rights and opportunities. He also cautioned aspirants against using social media to attack one another, urging them to uphold discipline and respect the party’s constitution and guidelines ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking with journalists after the plenary, both Gude and Kana said their decision to join the APC was borne out of conviction and driven by Governor Sule’s vision for sustainable development. They expressed gratitude to the SDP for providing them the platform to serve, while pledging loyalty to their new party and commitment to the welfare of their constituents.
Reacting to the development, Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki, the only remaining SDP member representing Lafia Central Constituency, maintained that he remains loyal to the SDP, adding that his colleagues acted in line with their personal convictions.
“With or without them, I remain committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to my people under the SDP,” he said.
With the new defections, the political configuration of the 24-member Assembly now stands at APC – 15, PDP – 8, and SDP – 1, further consolidating the ruling party’s majority ahead of the 2027 elections.