Over 22 key politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Southern Kaduna, strengthening the ruling party’s presence in the region.
The defectors were received by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, during the APC zonal rally in Kafanchan on Friday. The event, attended by APC supporters from across the state, saw political heavyweights officially join the ruling party and express their confidence in the governor’s leadership.
Prominent Figures Among Defectors
The high-profile defectors include serving and former federal lawmakers, state legislators, and former council chairmen. Among them are Senator Danjuma Laah, who recently represented Kaduna South in the Senate, and Godfrey Gaiya, a former House of Representatives member.
Ado Audu, a three-term federal legislator, also switched allegiance to the APC. Other notable defectors include Amos Magaji, the current representative of Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency, and Donatus Mathew, who represents Kaura Federal Constituency.
State legislators such as Henry Zakarieh (Jaba Constituency), Samuel Kambai (Zango Constituency), and Emmanuel Kantiok (Zonkwa Constituency) have also left their former parties for the APC.
Former council leaders who joined the ruling party include Mikiah Tokwak (Jema’a Local Government), Sunday Baba (former vice chairman), and Paul Wani (former Kauru Local Government chairman).
Additionally, former PDP chairman in Kagarko Local Government, Shehu Tafarke, and two former state chairmen of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ben Kure and Nuhu Audu, have joined APC. Labour Party’s state chairman, Isah Ciroma, also defected.
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Governor Sani Welcomes New Members
Speaking at the event, Governor Uba Sani declared that the APC had made significant inroads into Southern Kaduna, a region traditionally dominated by the PDP.
“The APC is now taking over Southern Kaduna because our administration is built on justice,” he said. “We are committed to serving every segment of Kaduna State, regardless of political affiliation or ethno-religious background.”
Governor Sani emphasized that governance should take priority after elections. “After every election, politics should take the back seat while governance takes the center stage. That is the hallmark of true leadership,” he stated.
He further highlighted his administration’s commitment to fostering peace in the state. “Without peace, there can be no development,” he stressed.
Federal Support for Kaduna’s Development
Governor Sani revealed that President Bola Tinubu is pleased with the progress in Kaduna State and has pledged continued support.
“President Tinubu told me three days ago that the Kaduna Light Rail project and the Kwoi-Kafanchan road are included in the 2025 budget,” he announced.
With the wave of defections and growing support for the APC, political dynamics in Southern Kaduna appear to be shifting significantly.