The All Progressives Congress (APC) has gained significant momentum in Kaduna State, following the defection of four state assembly lawmakers and five federal lawmakers, accompanied by thousands of their supporters. This mass defection occurred during a mega rally held on Saturday at Murtala Square in Kaduna.
The latest defections have bolstered the APC’s presence in the state, with the party now boasting 13 representatives from Kaduna State in the House of Representatives, leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with just three. Similarly, the APC has increased its membership in the state assembly to 26, while the PDP has eight members.
The rally was attended by prominent APC figures, including National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and Minister of Environment Alhaji Balarabe Abbas Lawal. Governor Uba Sani welcomed the new members, assuring them that the APC is a unified family that does not discriminate against its members. He emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement and carrying everyone along, particularly the constituents who elected them.
Governor Sani noted that the APC had only four members in the House of Representatives in 2023 but now has 14 members. He expressed confidence that the party will secure approximately 95% of the total votes in Kaduna State in the 2027 elections. According to him, the influx of elected members into the APC is a result of his administration’s focus on justice, fairness, and inclusivity.
The governor highlighted the state’s diversity as its strength, citing the absence of ethno-religious crises in Kaduna State during his tenure. He emphasized the importance of working together as one family, noting that poverty transcends religious, ethnic, and political affiliations.
Professor Nentawe described the APC as the “promised land” for Nigerian politicians, praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for their achievements. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas noted that the APC has achieved dominance in Kaduna State, a feat unparalleled in the state’s history.
The defectors, who include federal legislators Hon Sadiq Ango, Hon Andulkarim Husseini Ahmad, Hon Aliyu Mustapha Abdullahi, and Hussaini Jalo, were welcomed by the APC leadership. Other notable defectors include ex-Senator Danjuma Lah, former Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi, and ex-Senator Shehu Sani. The mass defection is expected to further solidify the APC’s position in Kaduna State, paving the way for the party’s continued dominance in the region.
