Fifteen former officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The political shift comes as the defectors pledged allegiance to the APC leadership ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Prominent figures among the defectors include former PDP Youth Leader Sahad Dabo, ex-Treasurer Nasiru Anka, and former Organising Secretaries Janaidu Magaji Kiyawa and Musa Halilu Faru. Also crossing over were former Zonal Organising Secretary Lawali Aliyu, along with ex-officio members Hajiya Rabi Bakura and Hajiya Amina Duniya.
The group further includes Bashar Mohammed Dogon Kade, previously a PDP aspirant for Kaura Namoda South constituency, and former councillorship aspirant Rilwanu Bello.
Explaining his departure, Isiyaka M. Dabo cited the PDP’s alleged preferential treatment toward wealthy members as his motivation for leaving. “Senator Yari and Matawalle’s leadership inspired me to join the winning party,” Dabo declared while surrendering his PDP membership card.
Hajiya Amina Duniya, who spent 25 years with the PDP, urged APC leaders to maintain fairness and justice. She committed to mobilizing additional supporters for her new political home.
Defence Minister of State Bello Matawalle formally received the defectors in Abuja on Thursday. He was joined by Zamfara APC chairman Tukur Umar Danfulani, Senator Tijjani Yahaya, and Hon. Lawal M. Liman.
Matawalle praised the move as courageous and well-timed, asserting that APC remains Nigeria’s most popular political force. “Our strategic planning and welfare initiatives for Zamfara residents will further strengthen APC’s unity,” the Minister stated.
APC State Chairman Danfulani guaranteed the new members full integration, emphasizing the party’s commitment to fairness for all dedicated members. He dismissed claims of internal divisions, insisting the party grows stronger daily.
“Our recent by-election victory combined with high-caliber defections confirms APC will reclaim Zamfara in 2027,” Danfulani concluded.
About the Author
