A former deputy governor of Gombe State, Mr Tha’anda Jason Rubainu, and a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Hon Jerry Joseph Damara, have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The two political heavyweights, alongside other notable PDP members mostly from Gombe South Senatorial District, were formally received into the ruling party at Government House, Gombe, by Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
Rubainu, who served as deputy governor under former Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo from 2011 to 2015, joined forces with Damara in what is being described as a major realignment of political strength in the state.
Damara, a great philanthropist, business mogul and managing director/CEO of Mesotho Group Limited, said his defection was inspired by Governor Yahaya’s leadership, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and security.
“There are constructions everywhere and you cannot change a state without construction. His Excellency is construction and security personified,” he said. He added that his decision was not just a personal move but a movement, stressing that he came along with many of his supporters and pledging full support to the ruling party.
In his remarks, Governor Yahaya described the defection as a special day for the APC family in the state and across Nigeria. He acknowledged the significance of gaining strong support from Gombe South, where he admitted the party did not perform well in the last election.
