Abdullahi Randa, the last remaining member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, has formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Randa, who represents Tureta Constituency, made the announcement in a letter read on the floor of the House during Tuesday’s plenary session by Speaker Tukur Bala.
The lawmaker cited the prolonged leadership crisis within the PDP as the primary reason for his decision. According to Randa, the ongoing disputes have significantly weakened the party’s capacity to function effectively as an opposition platform in the state. “The lingering disputes have weakened the party’s capacity to function as a credible opposition. I took this decision after careful consideration, as the situation has made the platform no longer viable,” he told journalists after the announcement.
Randa’s defection follows a series of similar moves by other members of the Sokoto State House of Assembly. On April 7, seven lawmakers left the PDP for the ADC, while another defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Those who joined the ADC earlier include Abubakar Magaji, Habibu Modachi, Buhari Haliru, Bashar Jabo, Nasiru Adamu, Awaisu Aliyu, and Atiku Liman. Muhammad Mas’ud of Shagari Constituency moved to the APC.
With Randa’s exit, the Sokoto State House of Assembly now comprises 22 APC members and eight ADC members, leaving the PDP without any representation in the House. This shift marks a significant realignment in the state’s political landscape, with the PDP losing its foothold in the legislature. The defections underscore the challenges facing the party in maintaining cohesion and relevance in Sokoto State’s political arena.
