Niger Assembly Minority Whip Defects To APC. 

Alhaji Shuaibu Iyah (PDP-Suleja state constituency) on Tuesday announced his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a letter read on the floor of the House by the Speaker, Alhaji Ahmed Marafa, the lawmaker said “he was joining the APC following his resignation from the PDP on whose platform he was elected in February 2016’’.

The announcement of Iyah’s defection was greeted with wild jubilation by other APC lawmakers in the House.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after plenary, Iyah noted that he decided to move to the mainstream party to attract development to his constituency as it had suffered neglect for long.

“It is the interest of my followers from my constituency I am trying to protect.

"And looking at the trend of events at this material time we can’t afford to continue to be in the minority as far as representation in the state assembly is concerned.

“In as much as I would like to attract development to my constituency, I cannot have it so easy without being in the mainstream party.

"And this is what principally informed my decision after due consultation with my constituents,” he added.

On whether he was prepared for possible repercussions of his defection, the lawmaker maintained that politics was all about taking risks.

“Well, politics is all about taking risks but I think it’s your destiny that will determine where you will fall into.

“Many a time I always say my future depends on the decision of the Almighty God and I do not have any fear.

“My major concern is the interest of my people. So many things would have been coming the way of my people but because I am in the minority I cannot get it the way I want.

“So even if it is for the purpose of this 2018 alone that I am able to attract some development in my constituency; then fine,” he said.

The member representing Suleja is the minority whip as well as the House Committee Chairman on Information.

In a swift reaction, the State Chairman of the PDP, Tanko Beji, stated that Iyah defected alone as no supporter showed up at the assembly in solidarity.