A political crisis is brewing in Plateau State as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clash over demands for the removal of the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan.
The APC, which holds 22 out of the 24 seats in the Assembly, insists that one of its members should occupy the Speaker’s seat instead of Dewan, who belongs to the Young Progressives Party (YPP). However, the PDP has strongly opposed this demand, warning that such actions could destabilize the state.
APC Pushes for Speaker’s Removal
The APC argues that since it dominates the Assembly, the Speaker should come from its ranks. The party claims that Dewan’s position disrupts the political balance in the state.
Shittu Bamaiyi, the APC’s Publicity Secretary, accused the PDP of manipulating the system to maintain control. “The PDP sees nothing wrong with the Central Zone controlling both the executive and legislative arms of government, despite the fact that the Speaker ought to have emerged from the Southern Zone,” Bamaiyi said.
He argued that the current power arrangement, where both the governor and the Speaker come from the Central Zone, is unfair.
“Their stance on Plateau’s leadership structure is dangerous and will have long-term implications,” he warned.
Bamaiyi further claimed that the PDP was using political tactics to deceive the public. “Let it be known that what exists now is not genuine peace but peace of the graveyard. When the time comes, everyone will be held accountable,” he stated.
Also Read:
- Senate Stands Firm on Natasha Suspension, Rejects Reversal
- PDP to Inaugurate South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee on Thursday
PDP Rejects APC’s Demand
In response, the PDP condemned the APC’s calls for Dewan’s removal. In a statement released on Monday, PDP Secretary Emma Tuang described the APC’s demand as “unfounded” and a “threat to the stability of Plateau State.”
“The Plateau State Chapter of the PDP expresses profound concern and unequivocal condemnation over the recent call by the APC Chairman, Rufus Bature, for the removal of Speaker Gabriel Dewan,” Tuang said.
He defended Dewan’s leadership, stating that under his tenure, the Assembly had passed key laws that improved citizens’ welfare and economic growth.
“The House of Assembly has functioned with remarkable stability, facilitating the passage of key legislation that enhances citizens’ welfare, drives economic growth, and strengthens social infrastructure,” he said.
The PDP called on the APC to prioritize the interests of Plateau State over partisan politics. “Instead of resorting to divisive tactics, we call for constructive engagement to sustain the unity and development of Plateau. Political power must serve as an instrument of progress, not a tool for vendettas,” Tuang added.
Political Tension in Plateau State
The battle over the Speaker’s seat is part of a broader political struggle in Plateau State, where parties are competing for influence. While the APC insists that it has the right to the leadership of the Assembly, the PDP argues that removing Dewan could disrupt the peace and stability of the legislature.
Observers warn that the dispute could deepen political divisions in the state if not handled carefully. As the debate continues, Plateau residents will be watching closely to see if the parties can resolve their differences through dialogue or if the crisis will escalate further.