Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has strengthened the All Progressives Congress (APC) by welcoming over 22 prominent political figures from opposition parties into the ruling party. The high-profile defections took place at the APC zonal rally in Kafanchan on Friday, drawing thousands of supporters from Southern Kaduna and beyond.
A Wave of Political Defections
The defectors include serving and former federal legislators, state lawmakers, ex-council chairmen, state party leaders, and flag bearers from various opposition parties. Their move signals a significant power shift in Southern Kaduna, a region historically dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Big Names Among the Defectors
Some of the most notable figures who abandoned the PDP for APC include:
Sen. Danjuma Laar – Former Senator for Zone 3
Godfrey Gaiya – Ex-House of Representatives Member
Ado Audu – Three-time House of Representatives Member
Amos Magaji – Current Representative for Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency
Donatus Mathew – Current Representative for Kaura Federal Constituency
State lawmakers who also switched allegiance include:
Henry Zakarieh (Jaba Constituency)
Samuel Kambai (Zango Constituency)
Emmanuel Kantiok (Zonkwa Constituency)
Additionally, former local government leaders such as Mikiah Tokwak (Jemaa LGA), Sunday Baba (Former Vice Chairman, Jemaa LGA), and Paul Wani (Ex-Chairman, Kauru LGA) have joined the APC.
Labour Party & NNPP Leaders Join APC
It’s not just the PDP losing key members—Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) also saw significant defections. Among them:
Isah Ciroma – State Chairman of the Labour Party
Ben Kure – Former NNPP State Chairman
Nuhu Audu – Successor to Ben Kure as NNPP Chairman
Shehu Tafarke – Former PDP Chairman of Kagarko LGA
Governor Sani: “APC is Taking Over Southern Kaduna”
Addressing the massive crowd, Governor Uba Sani declared that the APC is now gaining dominance in Southern Kaduna, a region that has traditionally been a PDP stronghold. He emphasized that his administration is anchored on justice, inclusivity, and progressive leadership.
The large-scale defection of opposition leaders is seen as a major political boost for the APC ahead of future elections.
