Sokoto State House of Assembly Loses Last PDP Member to ADC
In a significant political shift, Abdullahi Randa, the sole remaining Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, has formally defected to the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC). The announcement came during Tuesday’s plenary session after Speaker Tukur Bala read Randa’s resignation letter on the floor of the House.
Randa, who represents Tureta Constituency, cited prolonged internal disputes within the PDP as the primary reason for his decision. “The lingering disputes have weakened the party’s capacity to function as a credible opposition,” he told journalists following the session. “I took this decision after careful consideration, as the situation has made the platform no longer viable.”
The defection follows a wave of party-switching that began earlier this month. On April 7, seven PDP members resigned to join the ADC, while Muhammad Mas’ud, representing Shagari Constituency, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The new ADC members include Abubakar Magaji, Habibu Modachi, Buhari Haliru, Bashar Jabo, Nasiru Adamu, Awaisu Aliyu, and Atiku Liman.
The defections have dramatically altered the composition of the 30-member Assembly. The APC now holds 22 seats, the ADC has eight, and the PDP has been completely shut out of representation for the first time since the current administration took office.
Political analysts note that the mass defections reflect broader challenges facing opposition parties in Nigeria’s northwest region, where the APC has consolidated significant political control. The development raises questions about the PDP’s organizational strength and future strategy in Sokoto State, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach.
The Assembly leadership has accepted all defection letters in accordance with constitutional provisions, and the affected lawmakers have been assigned to their new party caucuses.
