Notable Defection to APC: Jerry Joseph Damara Pledges Support to Governor Yahaya's Administration

Strategic Insights -

Noted businessman and philanthropist Jerry Joseph Damara, well-known for his community interventions in Kaltungo Local Government Area, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This significant move was announced during a courtesy visit to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in Gombe, where Damara expressed his full support for the governor's administration. Joining Damara in his defection was Tha'anda Rubainu, former deputy governor under Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo from 2011 to 2015. This high-profile defection is seen as a major political gain for the APC, recognizing the party's significant developmental strides under Governor Yahaya's leadership.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jerry Joseph Damara, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
  • Damara, known for his community interventions in Kaltungo Local Government Area, defected to the APC due to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya's developmental strides in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and rural development.
  • Tha'anda Rubainu, former deputy governor under Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo from 2011 to 2015, also defected to the APC, joining Damara in supporting Governor Yahaya's administration.
  • Governor Yahaya welcomed the defectors, describing their entry into the APC as a major political gain for both Gombe and the country at large.
  • The defection was seen as a significant moment for the APC, recognizing the party's achievements in road construction, healthcare, education, and civil service reforms under Governor Yahaya's leadership.
  • Notably, the defection is regarded as a breaking of the "(backbone of the opposition in Gombe".
  • Jerry Joseph Damara praised Governor Yahaya for his practical leadership and service delivery, emphasizing that the governor's policies and projects have positively impacted the state.

Statistics:

  • 2 key figures (Jerry Joseph Damara and Tha'anda Rubainu) defected from the PDP to the APC.
  • Damara cited the governor's projects in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and rural development as factors in his decision to join the APC.
  • Former deputy governor Tha'anda Rubainu also defected to the APC after Governor Yahaya's developmental strides convinced him to make the switch.
  • Governor Yahaya has led the APC administration since an unspecified term and has promoted significant developmental projects, including road construction, healthcare improvements, and educational reforms.

Sources:

  • A courtesy visit to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya by Jerry Joseph Damara and Tha'anda Rubainu
  • The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
  • The All Progressives Congress (APC)
  • Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya
  • Tha'anda Rubainu
  • Jerry Joseph Damara
  • Mesotho Group Limited
  • Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo