Daniel Nanlong Emerges New Plateau Assembly Speaker After Dewan’s Resignation

Daniel Nanlong, the lawmaker representing Mikang State Constituency, has been elected Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly. His emergence follows the resignation of Gabriel Dewan, who until Wednesday held the position under the banner of the Young Progressives Party (YPP).

Nanlong, a seasoned lawmaker and former Majority Leader during the 9th Assembly, was unanimously selected by fellow legislators at an emergency session held at the temporary Assembly Complex, Old Government House, Jos. His election was presided over by Deputy Speaker Gwotta Ajang, who facilitated the transition without opposition.

The leadership change was preceded by a closed-door meeting involving Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Dewan, and other lawmakers—an intervention aimed at dousing the persistent political friction that has dogged the legislature in recent months.

Gabriel Dewan, the only YPP representative in the 24-member Assembly, stepped down reportedly in a bid to help stabilize the Assembly’s increasingly tense political climate.

Nanlong, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), now takes the reins amid high expectations for unity and legislative focus.