Nasarawa Assembly Announces Defection of Two APC Lawmakers to SDP, Advances Education Bills
The Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau, has officially announced the defection of two members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) during plenary in Lafia.
The lawmakers are Hon. Mohammed Adamu Omadefu, representing Keana Constituency, and Hon. Jacob Ajegena Kudu, representing Nasarawa Eggon East Constituency.
Reading separate resignation letters submitted by the lawmakers, Speaker Jatau disclosed that both legislators attributed their decision to alleged unfair treatment during the recently concluded APC primary elections in Nasarawa State.
https://globaltimesnigeria.com/2026/07/13/nasarawa-apc-vote-confidence-speaker-danladi-jatau/
Addressing the House, the Speaker acknowledged that while some party members accepted the outcome of the primaries, others chose to pursue their political ambitions on different platforms.
“Some of us have accepted the outcome of the APC primaries in good faith. While some of you did not and felt that you have a platform where you will excel. I wish you the very best in your new political platforms,” Jatau said.
The Assembly also passed into second reading A Bill for a Law to Amend the Nasarawa State Education Trust Fund Law, 2025, and for Other Matters Connected Therewith.
The bill, sponsored by Hon. Abel Yakubu Bala, seeks to strengthen the Education Trust Fund through improved revenue generation, job creation, and enhanced educational development across the state.
Several lawmakers, including Hon. Luka Iliya Zhekaba, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Abubakar, Hon. Solomon Akwashiki, and Hon. Larry Ven-Bawa, supported the proposed legislation, arguing that it would contribute to economic growth, employment opportunities, and improved educational standards.
However, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Adamu Oyanki, urged the Assembly to first address the reported leadership crisis within the Nasarawa State Education Trust Fund before proceeding with amendments.
According to him, resolving the administrative challenges affecting the agency would be more beneficial than amending the existing law.
“There is a serious leadership crisis in the Nasarawa State Education Trust Fund. The House should liaise with the Executive to resolve the problem rather than focus solely on amending the law, especially since there is already an Executive Bill on the matter,” Oyanki stated.
Despite the concerns, Speaker Jatau put the bill to a voice vote, after which it passed second reading and was referred to the House Committee on Education for further legislative work.
The committee is expected to submit its report on July 28, 2026.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Suleiman Yakubu Azara, moved the motion for the adoption of the committee’s report, which was seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Luka Iliya Zhekaba
Speaker Jatau announced that the bill has been scheduled for final passage on July 20, 2026.
The Speaker also informed lawmakers of two appointments forwarded to the Assembly by Governor Abdullahi Sule for legislative confirmation.
The nominees are:
Ahmed Jibrin – Commissioner, Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC)
Nasiru Aminu Ahmed – Member, Loko Area Administrative Council
Speaker Jatau directed the Clerk of the House to notify both nominees to submit 30 copies of their Curriculum Vitae (CVs) on or before Monday ahead of their screening by the Assembly.
