APC Gains Momentum in Gombe State with High-Profile Defections

Strategic Insights -

Jerry Joseph Damara, a renowned businessman and philanthropist, and former Deputy Governor Tha'anda Rubainu have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, pledging full support for Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya's administration. Damara, known for his community interventions in Kaltungo Local Government Area, cited the developmental strides under Yahaya's leadership as the motivation for his decision. He emphasized the governor's tangible projects in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and rural development, stating, 'I am a construction man, and I know what construction means in the development of a state and society.' Tha'anda Rubainu, who served as deputy governor under former Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo from 2011 to 2015, joined Damara in the defection, alongside other prominent PDP members from the Gombe South senatorial district.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jerry Joseph Damara, a businessman and philanthropist, and former Deputy Governor Tha'anda Rubainu defected from the PDP to the APC in Gombe State on September 4.
  • Damara cited the developmental strides under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya's leadership as the motivation for his decision.
  • He emphasized the governor's tangible projects in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and rural development.
  • Tha'anda Rubainu, who served as deputy governor under former Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo from 2011 to 2015, joined Damara in the defection.
  • The defection adds to a series of high-profile exits from the PDP in Gombe in recent months, further strengthening the APC's position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
  • Governor Yahaya declared that the defection signifies that there is no more opposition in the state, and the backbone of the opposition in Gombe has been broken.

Statistics:

  • Number of high-profile defectors from PDP to APC in Gombe State in recent months: Not specified.
  • Percentage of Gombe's population that has defected from PDP to APC: Not specified.
  • Number of electoral districts in Gombe State that have seen PDP members defect to APC: Not specified.
  • Value of infrastructure projects undertaken by Governor Yahaya's administration: Not specified.
  • Number of new APC members who defected alongside Damara and Rubainu: Not specified.

Sources:

  • Damara, J. J., & Rubainu, T. (2023). Statement on defection from PDP to APC.
  • Yahaya, M. I. (2023). Statement on defection of high-profile PDP members to APC.