Nasarawa Lawmaker Defects from NNPP to APC Amidst Internal Party Divisions

In a significant political development, Mr Mohammed Isimbabi, the member representing Toto/Gadabuke Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has officially defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement was made during a session in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, where the Speaker of the House, Mr Danladi Jatau, read out Isimbabi’s defection letter to the Assembly.

According to the letter, the primary reason cited by Mr Isimbabi for his decision to leave the NNPP was the growing internal divisions within the party at the national level.

This internal strife, he noted, had made it increasingly difficult to align with the party’s objectives and strategies.

In search of a more stable and unified political environment, Mr Isimbabi opted to join the APC, which is currently the ruling party in Nasarawa State.

Speaker Danladi Jatau commended Isimbabi for his courageous decision to switch allegiance to the APC, highlighting that his defection would not only strengthen the party’s presence in the state but also contribute significantly to its ongoing efforts to deliver good governance.

Jatau expressed confidence that Isimbabi’s experience and political acumen would be invaluable assets to the APC.

In a similar vein, Alhaji Aliyu Bello, the Chairman of the APC in Nasarawa State, welcomed Isimbabi into the party fold.

Bello assured the defecting lawmaker of the APC’s commitment to equity and fairness, emphasising that the party operates on principles that ensure every member has an equal opportunity to contribute to its goals and enjoy its benefits.

Bello’s remarks were intended to reinforce the idea that Isimbabi’s defection was not just a political move but a strategic alignment with a party that values inclusivity and shared aspirations.

Further affirming the significance of Isimbabi’s defection, Mr Musa Abubakar, another lawmaker representing Doma South under the NNPP, expressed his approval of the move.

Abubakar indicated that he, too, was considering defecting to the APC in the near future.

He explained that his political interests align closely with those of Isimbabi, and the latter’s decision to join the APC had only strengthened his own resolve to follow suit.

Abubakar’s potential defection points to a broader trend of shifting political allegiances within the NNPP, likely driven by the same internal discord that prompted Isimbabi’s departure.

In his response, Mr Isimbabi elaborated on the factors that led to his defection.

He acknowledged the NNPP for providing him with the platform that enabled his election to the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, expressing his gratitude for the opportunities the party had afforded him.

However, he was quick to point out that the escalating divisions within the NNPP had reached a point where it was no longer feasible to remain with the party.

Isimbabi was keen to assure his constituents that his decision to defect was not taken lightly. Prior to making his final decision, he embarked on a consultation tour across the six electoral wards of Toto/Gadabuke Constituency.

During these consultations, he sought the opinions and consent of his constituents, who overwhelmingly supported his decision to join the APC.

He emphasised that his primary commitment remains to the people he represents, and that his move to the APC was motivated by a desire to better serve their interests and improve their quality of life.

The defection of Mr Isimbabi marks a noteworthy shift in the political landscape of Nasarawa State.

His move to the APC not only signals potential challenges within the NNPP but also highlights the appeal of the ruling party in attracting members from the opposition.

As Isimbabi settles into his new political home, the focus will now shift to how this change will impact his legislative work and the broader dynamics within the Nasarawa State House of Assembly.

His commitment to his constituents and his intention to leverage his new party affiliation to bring about tangible improvements in his constituency will be closely watched in the coming months.