In a significant development in Nigerian politics, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, announced on Friday that senators from Kebbi State, currently affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are set to join the ruling APC. This move is part of a broader trend of politicians switching to the APC, a phenomenon observed almost weekly in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
According to Dr. Ganduje, extensive discussions have taken place among major stakeholders in Kebbi, culminating in the decision of the three PDP senators to defect to the APC. The chairman views this development as positive and reflective of the current political landscape in Nigeria. He emphasized that the APC’s constitution is clear on such matters and expressed confidence in the party’s ability to manage the integration of new members smoothly, ensuring no disruption to governance.
The announcement followed a meeting between Dr. Ganduje, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, and the affected senators, including Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki, with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. Dr. Ganduje noted that they sought the president’s blessing for the resolution, which was graciously granted. The APC chairman hinted that the public would witness the formalization of this decision by the following Tuesday in the Senate, commonly referred to as the Red Chambers.
Addressing concerns about the potential for a one-party state, Dr. Ganduje reassured that the APC is not advocating for such a system but rather responding to what appears to be the will of the Nigerian people. He humorously referenced a common saying, “too many cooks spoil the soup,” suggesting that numerous political parties can complicate governance. The move is seen as part of President Tinubu’s initiative to strengthen the APC democratically, aiming to increase the party’s numerical strength as well as the quality and capacity of its followership.
This development underscores the dynamic nature of Nigerian politics, where alliances and party affiliations can shift significantly. As the country navigates its democratic journey, such moves are watched closely, both domestically and internationally, for their implications on governance, stability, and the democratic process. With the APC poised to welcome new members from Kebbi State, all eyes are on how this change will influence the political balance and the function of the Senate in the weeks to come.
