The political landscape of Plateau State took a new turn on Wednesday as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Gabriel Dewan, tendered his resignation during an emergency plenary session held at the temporary legislative chambers in Jos.
Dewan, who was elected on the platform of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), is notably the only legislator representing the party in the 24-member House. His decision to step down comes after several months of behind-the-scenes tensions and intra-legislative disagreements that have lingered within the Assembly.
According to insider accounts, Dewan’s resignation followed a crucial closed-door engagement with Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, and other key lawmakers. The meeting, held in a bid to restore harmony and legislative focus, appears to have influenced the speaker’s decision to vacate the seat in what observers interpret as a political sacrifice for stability.
In a swift and unanimous decision immediately after Dewan’s exit, the lawmakers elected Hon. Daniel Nanlong, representing Mikang Constituency, as the new Speaker of the House. Nanlong, a ranking member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), brings legislative experience to the role, having previously served as Majority Leader in the 9th Assembly.
The leadership transition was supervised by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Gwotta Ajang, who presided over the emergency session. The peaceful and procedural handover has been widely commended, especially in a political climate where legislative crises often result in prolonged stalemates.
This change in leadership is seen as a significant step toward restoring unity and refocusing the Assembly on its legislative duties. Political analysts believe the development could realign the dynamics within the House, particularly with the APC gradually consolidating influence across the state’s political institutions.
While Dewan has yet to publicly disclose his next political move, his resignation is already being viewed as a potential strategic repositioning ahead of future political engagements. The Plateau Assembly, now under the leadership of Nanlong, is expected to reconvene in coming days to set the tone for its new legislative agenda.
