Equally Split Membership in Nasarawa Assembly Raises Questions on Majority Leadership

• Removal of the former Speaker and an inconclusive election result create an equal number of members for APC and PDP
• APC secures leadership through lobbying, and the dynamics in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly prompt discussions

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly is experiencing an unfamiliar scenario as the recent removal of the former Speaker, Balarabe Abdullahi, and the declaration of another constituency’s election results as inconclusive have resulted in an equal number of members for both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The nullification of Abdullahi’s election by the Court of Appeal and the subsequent rerun in another constituency has challenged the ruling party’s majority status, placing it on par with the PDP in the Assembly. Additionally, four members from two other political parties, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), further complicate the majority dynamics.

In response to the situation, the APC swiftly moved to secure its leadership in the Assembly by lobbying opposition lawmakers to support Danladi Jato as the new Speaker. Jato’s emergence was facilitated with the support of the sitting governor, Abdullahi Sule, and the process proceeded smoothly without the controversies seen in the previous election.

The debate over the majority status in the 7th Assembly has sparked discussions within and outside the legislative chamber. Barrister Affis Adigun outlined two options, suggesting that the PDP, SDP, and NNPP could form an alliance to secure a simple majority or remain separate entities. Currently, there is no alliance among the three opposition parties.

Ayiwulu Baba Ayiwulu, a lawyer and good governance activist, sees the new leadership as an innovation, emphasizing that its impact on governance depends on the understanding between the executive and legislative branches. Former Speaker Dr. Ahmed Musa mentioned that as long as there is a cooperation between the powers, the transition in leadership does not affect the system’s working.

Francis Orogo, the state chairman of the PDP, highlighted the expectation for lawmakers to deliver good performance regardless of the challenge over the majority status. He cautioned them against being mere “errand boys” and urged a focus on delivering dividends of democracy to the state’s people. The evolving dynamics in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly underscore the need for effective governance and cooperation among political stakeholders.