The Minority Leader of the Yobe State House of Assembly and the sole member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Sadiq Yahaya Attajiri, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Hon. Attajiri was elected to represent Bade Central Constituency in the 2023 general election under the PDP platform.
The defecting lawmaker was received by the former President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, at his residence in Abuja.
The former Senate President, who hails from Bade Central, said Attajiri’s decision to join the ruling party reflects the progressive and inclusive governance of Governor Mai Mala Buni, as well as the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He added that the defection of the Minority Leader would bring significant value to the APC.
“Hon. Attajiri is a vibrant and resourceful legislator, and his defection adds tremendous value to our party.
“I have no doubt that he will continue to enjoy the overwhelming support of his constituents under the APC platform.
“I reiterate the need to work together as a team to ensure the development of Bade Local Government and Yobe State for the benefit of our people.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the APC delivers democratic dividends to the people of Yobe State and Nigeria at large,” he said.
Earlier, the lawmaker informed the Senator representing Yobe North of his decision to join the APC.
He explained that his decision to leave the PDP followed extensive consultations and meetings with his supporters in his constituency.
He was accompanied by several political figures, including Hon. Yau Usman Dachia (Deputy Speaker, Yobe State House of Assembly, representing Jakusko Constituency); Hon. Adamu Dala Dogo (former Speaker, representing Karasuwa Constituency); Hon. Bukar Alhaji Mustapha (Gaidam North); Hon. Sanda Karabade (Bade West); Hon. Musa Majakura (Nguru II); Hon. Shuaibu Danladi Hamza (former member of the Assembly); Hon. Muhammad Gagiyo (Commissioner for Budget, Yobe State); and Alhaji Auwali Maja, a businessman and politician.
All efforts to reach the lawmaker for comments proved unsuccessful, as his phone number was unreachable and he did not respond to WhatsApp messages.
However, one of his political associates, Malam Nasiru Auwali Maimanja, confirmed the development to our correspondent.
He stated that the lawmaker would formally announce his defection and obtain APC membership in Gashua town.
“He was received by Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan on Saturday, but he will formally declare his defection either today or tomorrow. For the past two months, he has been consulting widely before leaving the PDP,” he said.
The PDP secured two seats in the Yobe State House of Assembly during the 2023 general election (Nguru Outside and Bade Central constituencies).
Earlier in 2023, Hon. Musa Majakura of defected to the APC, leaving the PDP with only one lawmaker.
With this latest development, the APC now controls all 24 seats in the Yobe State House of Assembly, leaving no opposition presence.