The Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is ramping up efforts to unseat the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, who remains the sole representative of the Young Progressive Party (YPP).
The party has urged its 22 lawmakers to initiate Dewan’s removal, arguing that it is improper for a minority party member to lead a legislature where APC holds a dominant majority.
The controversy traces back to a Court of Appeal ruling last year, which nullified the elections of 22 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers on the grounds that the party lacked the legal structure to field candidates.
This decision cleared the way for APC to claim the majority seats.
However, Dewan had already been elected Speaker before the APC members were sworn in, a situation the ruling party now seeks to overturn.
APC insists on change in leadership
Plateau APC Chairman Rufus Bature has described Dewan’s continued leadership as undemocratic, insisting that the principle of majority rule must prevail.
“In any democracy, the majority should lead while the minority has its voice. Here in Plateau, APC holds 22 out of 24 seats, yet a YPP member presides over the House.
“This is unacceptable,” Bature said, urging the APC lawmakers to initiate a motion for Dewan’s removal, either through voluntary resignation or a formal vote.
While emphasizing that the party does not support violence, Bature stressed the need to correct what he termed an “abnormality.”
He further pointed out that Dewan’s leadership disrupts Plateau’s political zoning arrangement, as both the Governor and the Speaker hail from the same senatorial district—an unprecedented development in the state.
Legislators call for patience, avoiding political crisis
In response, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Matthew Kwarpo, acknowledged that discussions on Dewan’s removal were ongoing.
While agreeing that the Speaker should ideally come from the majority party, he cautioned against hasty action that could destabilize the state.
“The Speaker himself has admitted that he will eventually step aside for the majority party. However, the process must be handled with caution to prevent unnecessary political tension,” Kwarpo stated.
He revealed that Governor Caleb Mutfwang has called for calm, urging all political actors to allow a peaceful and consultative transition.
“During his birthday celebration, the governor appealed to stakeholders to exercise patience.
“While removing the Speaker could be done quickly, lawmakers are mindful of maintaining stability and allowing the House to focus on its legislative duties,” Kwarpo added.
He reassured that while change is inevitable, lawmakers will ensure it happens through a structured and peaceful process to prevent a political crisis similar to the one in Rivers State.