Jos, July 2, 2025 — In a swift response to recent political tensions, the Plateau State House of Assembly has officially chosen Hon. Naanlong Daniel (also reported as Nanloong Daniel), representing the Mikang State Constituency, as its new Speaker. His ascension follows the resignation of Hon. Gabriel Dewan of the Young Progressives Party (YPP).
The election took place during an emergency sitting at a temporary Assembly Complex in the Old Government House, Jos, this Wednesday.
Daniel, a former Majority Leader in the 9th Assembly, was nominated by Hon. Naanbol Listic (Langtang North Central) and seconded by Hon. Abdul Yanga (Mangu North‑East), receiving unanimous backing from all 24 legislators .
The shake-up comes after the sole YPP legislator, Gabriel Dewan, stepped aside following a closed-door meeting with Governor Caleb Mutfwang and fellow lawmakers aimed at resolving internal strain and ensuring legislative stability.
Deputy Speaker Hon. Gwotta Ajang presided over the transition, guiding proceedings and ensuring a smooth hand over.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang praised the seamless “change of baton in the middle of a term,” adding: “No rancour. … Let your colleagues see humility and selflessness in what you do. Put Plateau first, and history won’t forget you”.
In his acceptance speech, Speaker Daniel emphasized transparency and unity, affirming readiness to work in tandem with the executive to advance policy goals.
This leadership transition appears geared toward stabilizing an Assembly that had been experiencing political friction, particularly following the removal of several PDP lawmakers from its seating. By rallying legislators around a single candidate and avoiding open conflict, the body signals its intent to promote cohesion and maintain effective legislative functioning.
Plateau’s House of Assembly now has a new leader in Speaker Daniel, chosen unanimously under pressured but peaceful circumstances, as part of a broader effort to strengthen unity amid recent political uncertainty.
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