In a major political shift in Kaduna State, over 10,000 supporters of Senator Shehu Sani have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The mass defection comes amid speculation that the former senator, who represented Kaduna Central from 2015 to 2019, is also set to rejoin the ruling party.
Sani, who initially left the APC to contest for the PDP’s gubernatorial ticket in the 2023 elections, is now rumored to be on the verge of returning to the party he once called home.
A source close to the senator confirmed that “all things being equal,” Sani will make the switch in the coming days.
The large group of defectors gathered at the APC Campaign Office located at NEPA Roundabout in Kaduna, brandishing posters and banners welcoming Sani’s anticipated return. The supporters, drawn from all 23 local government areas of Kaduna State, said they were instrumental in convincing their leader to rejoin the APC.
Mr. Monday Jaji, a former campaign director for Senator Sani, spoke on the efforts to bring the senator back into the APC fold.
“I have been working for more than two years to ensure that Senator Shehu Sani returns to the APC. He has a strong track record of achievements during his time as senator, and we believe he can do more for the people under the APC,” Jaji revealed.
Jaji highlighted some of the senator’s notable contributions during his tenure, stating, “Shehu Sani built seven hospitals across his constituency. He provided over 200 transformers to communities, assisted the poor, and even bought a house for the destitute along Kano Road. He built hospitals in Chikun, Igabi, Rigachikun, and Giwa Local Governments.”
As the defectors were formally welcomed into the APC, Kaduna State Chairman of the party, Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada (Rtd), expressed his delight at their return.
“This is a significant moment for our party. The return of these supporters will not only strengthen the APC but also push both the party and Kaduna State towards greater achievements,” Jekada said.
While Senator Sani’s formal return to the APC is still pending, the defection of his loyalists has already sparked discussions about the future political landscape in the state. Meanwhile, other former lawmakers from the PDP, who lost their bids for re-election, are also reportedly planning to leave the party, potentially signaling a broader shift in the state’s political scene.