Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, has resigned from his position, Peoples Gazette has learnt.

Mr Dewan, a member of the Young Progressives Party, tendered his resignation on Wednesday.

In a letter announcing his resignation, Mr Dewan thanked his colleagues, the Plateau people and the governor for the smooth working relationship that he enjoyed during his time as speaker.

He said, “As I step aside, I do so with faith that the assembly will continue to uphold the principles of fairness, justice and democratic governance. I remain committed to the progress of Plateau State and will continue to support any cause that promotes peace, unity and development.’’

He has since been replaced by a lawmaker from the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Mikang Constituency, Nanlong Daniel.

Mr Daniel, a former majority leader in the 9th Assembly, was unanimously chosen by a 24-member legislature during an emergency sitting presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Gwotta Ajang, at the Assembly Complex, Old Government House in Jos on Wednesday.

Sources in the assembly told The Gazette that Mr Dewan’s resignation was part of a broader political strategy ahead of the 2027 elections and had the blessing of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

“He wants the speakership to go to the southern zone. Since the governor is from the central zone, the Speaker shouldn’t also be from the same zone,” a legislative source told The Gazette. “We use a zoning arrangement on the Plateau, and the speakership is expected to come from the South.”

Another source and a social commentator familiar with the situation, Vilret Enoch, added, “He did it for fairness and transparency, and to also focus on his political ambition in 2027.”

Mr Dewan emerged as Speaker following the resignation of his predecessor, Moses Sule, who stepped down after a court ruling nullified his membership and that of other principal officers.