Gov. Inuwa Yahaya Welcomes Political Heavyweight Jerry Damara to Gombe APC
Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has described the defection of Hon. Jerry Joseph Damara from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a “historic political breakthrough” for the state and the ruling party nationwide.
Hon. Damara, a prominent Tangale-Waja political figure and business mogul, officially joined the APC after obtaining his membership card at Kulishin Ward in Shongom Local Government Area. He was received on Thursday at the Government House, Gombe, by Governor Yahaya alongside a powerful delegation of political leaders from Gombe South Senatorial District.
The governor said Damara’s decision to switch allegiance to the APC marked a defining moment in Gombe politics, citing the calibre of figures who accompanied him.
“Any defector who is accompanied by three former Deputy Governors, four serving Local Government Chairmen, four members of the State Assembly, and members of the State Executive Council is not a politician to be taken lightly,” Yahaya said. “This is a major political breakthrough for our party in Tangale-Waja.”
Governor Yahaya added that the alignment signaled an end to years of political fragmentation in the zone and pledged to consolidate the new alliance in strengthening the APC across the state.
While receiving Damara, the governor also highlighted key achievements of his administration in Gombe South, including the construction of the Balanga South–North and Tula Yiri roads, as well as ongoing upgrades to healthcare centres, primary, and secondary schools across all 40 wards of the senatorial district.
He further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “courageous leadership” and tough economic reforms, which he said were necessary for Nigeria’s long-term growth.
In his remarks, Hon. Damara said his defection was motivated by Governor Yahaya’s inclusive governance style and unprecedented developmental strides across the state.
“From today, my loyalty to you and your administration is total. The developmental train you are driving is unstoppable, and I refuse to be left behind,” Damara declared.
He explained that after wide consultations with political elders and stakeholders in the Tangale-Waja area, they collectively resolved to rally behind the APC in order to unify their political strength.
Damara was accompanied by an influential delegation that included former Deputy Governors Charles Iliya, Ta’anda Rubainu, and Senator Joshua Lidani; local government chairmen from Shongom, Kaltungo, Billiri, and Balanga; as well as several serving lawmakers including Hon. Zubairu Ayala, Hon. Gaius Golkos, and Hon. Yerima Ladan Gaule.
Also present at the ceremony were the Commissioner for Women Affairs, other state commissioners, and top APC leaders. Governor Yahaya was joined by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, and Chief of Staff Abubakar Inuwa Kari in welcoming the new entrant and his team.
With Damara’s defection, political watchers say the APC has further cemented its influence in Gombe South, a region that has long been a battleground between the ruling party and the opposition PDP.
