Mohammed Isimbabi, a member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly representing the Toto/Gadabuke Constituency, has announced his defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmaker confirmed his decision to switch political allegiance in a letter addressed to the assembly, which was read during a session in Lafia on Monday by the Speaker of the House, Danladi Jatau.
In his letter, Isimbabi cited internal divisions within the NNPP at the national level as the primary reason for his decision to join the APC.
Speaker Jatau commended Isimbabi for his decision to join the ruling party, expressing optimism that his defection would strengthen the APC’s position in the state assembly.
Alhaji Aliyu Bello, the state chairman of the APC, also welcomed Isimbabi’s move, assuring him of a fair and equitable experience within the party.
Meanwhile, Musa Abubakar, another NNPP lawmaker representing Doma South, congratulated Isimbabi on his defection and hinted at his own potential departure from the NNPP to join the APC.
Abubakar stated, “Hon. Isimbabi’s defection is a welcome development. We share common political interests. I will be leaving the NNPP soon.”
In his response, Isimbabi reiterated that his decision to leave the NNPP was due to the ongoing internal conflicts within the party at the national level. He expressed his appreciation to the NNPP for providing him with the platform to run for election, which ultimately led to his success as a member of the assembly.
Isimbabi also emphasized his commitment to his constituents, stating that his decision to defect to the APC was made after thorough consultations with stakeholders in all six electoral wards of his constituency.
He said, “Before taking this decision, I have gone around the six electoral wards of my constituency to consult them on my defection. They have given me the go-ahead to defect to the APC.”
The move by Isimbabi marks a significant shift in Nasarawa State’s political landscape as the APC continues to consolidate its strength in the region.