By Rafiyat Sadiq
The Plateau State House of Assembly has elected Hon. Nanloong Daniel, representing Mikang Constituency, as its new Speaker, following the resignation of Gabriel Dewan.
Dewan, the only lawmaker on the platform of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), tendered his resignation during an emergency plenary session held Tuesday at the Assembly’s temporary complex in the Old Government House, Jos.
Daniel, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Majority Leader in the 9th Assembly, was unanimously endorsed by fellow lawmakers to take up the position.
The emergency sitting was presided over by Deputy Speaker Hon. Gwotta Ajang, who supervised the election and formalised the transition.
The leadership change came shortly after a closed-door meeting reportedly convened by Governor Caleb Mutfwang. The meeting, which had in attendance Dewan and several lawmakers, was said to be part of a broader effort to address growing political tension within the state.
Although no official reason was given for Dewan’s resignation, sources close to the Assembly indicate it was a strategic move aimed at stabilising the legislature following recent upheavals.
The Assembly has been under political strain since the Appeal Court in Abuja nullified the elections of 16 lawmakers elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing the party’s lack of a valid structure prior to the 2023 general elections.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.