The New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) has emerged as the major minority party in the Gombe State House of Assembly.

This followed the defection of the member representing Kaltungo West constituency, Bashir Yakubu Barau, who joined NNPP from the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

Barau was received into the party by its Governorship candidate in the state, Khamisu Ahmad Mailantarki.

Before the latest defection, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the NNPP had three seats each in the 24 member House of Assembly.

But the with Barde’s defection, the NNPP now has four seats and consequently formed the minority caucus in the assembly.

It was reported that two legislators from the APC and one from PDP had earlier defected to the NNPP.

Addressing newsmen, Barde said he joined the NNPP in the best interest of the state, adding that both APC and PDP lack the requisite leadership qualities to unite and develop the state.

Since the emergence of Mailantarki as the governorship candidate of the NNPP, aggrieved members from both APC and PDP have been trooping to the NNPP.

Also, recently four former deputy chairmen from Billiri, Kwami and Nafada and a former councillor defected from the PDP to the NNPP.(Daily Trust)