In a significant political shift, Abdullahi Randa, the last remaining member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, has officially defected to the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC). This announcement was made during Tuesday’s plenary session, where 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. He stated, “The lingering disputes have weakened the party’s capacity to function as a credible opposition,” during a conversation with journalists following the session. He emphasized that after careful consideration, he found the situation made the PDP platform no longer viable.
Randa’s 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, who represents 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. These defections have dramatically altered the composition of the 30-member Assembly, with the APC now holding 22 seats, the ADC gaining eight, and the PDP being completely shut out of representation for the first time since the current administration took office.
Political analysts have noted that these mass defections reflect broader challenges facing opposition parties in Nigeria’s northwest region, where the APC has consolidated significant political control. This development raises questions about the PDP’s organizational strength and future strategy in Sokoto State, especially with the 2027 general elections approaching. 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.
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