Two Nasarawa SDP Lawmakers Defect To APC
Two members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
They are Hon. Musa Saidu Gude, representing Uke/Karshi constituency, and Hon. Onarigu Onah Kana, representing Udege/Loko constituency.
Their defection was formally announced on Monday (October 13, 2025) during plenary by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, Ph.D., in Lafia.
Reading their letters of defection, the Speaker said the lawmakers cited the developmental strides of Governor Abdullahi Sule and the need to align with the government’s vision as reasons for their decision.
According to Jatau, the lawmakers’ decision followed due consultations with stakeholders and constituents.
Hon. Onarigu Kana, in his letter, mentioned the crisis rocking the SDP at the national level as one of the reasons for his defection, while Hon. Gude said he was drawn by the APC’s ideology, programmes, and policies.
The Speaker commended both lawmakers for their decision, describing it as a wise and patriotic step.
Reacting shortly after, the two lawmakers expressed appreciation to their former party, the SDP, for giving them the opportunity to serve, while pledging loyalty and commitment to the APC and to the progress of Nasarawa State.
Meanwhile, the only remaining SDP member in the House, Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki, representing Lafia Central constituency, said he remains with the SDP.
“As I am speaking, I am still a member of SDP in the State. I will continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to my constituents,” Akwashiki said.
He, however, disagreed with Hon. Onarigu Kana’s claim that there is a crisis within the SDP, insisting that the party remains stable.
With the latest development, the composition of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly now stands as follows: APC – 15 members, PDP – 8 members, and SDP – 1 member.
