No fewer than 287 former aspirants and candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have officially defected to the Coalition of Political Parties in Katsina State, citing internal betrayal, manipulation, and lack of direction within the PDP.
The defectors, who previously contested or sought tickets for the House of Assembly, Local Government Chairmanship, and Councilorship positions, made the announcement during a well-attended gathering in Katsina on Thursday.
Speaking at the event, Malam Jamilu Yahaya, Chairman of the House of Assembly Aspirants’ Forum, stated that the decision was reached after months of consultations and internal deliberations among members.
“We are here today not out of bitterness but out of the desire to bring positive change to Katsina State. The PDP no longer represents the ideals and future we envision,” Yahaya said.
“We held several meetings—starting with just 25 members—and eventually agreed that the time had come to move forward with a more credible and people-focused movement.
“Though about 20% of our members still hold positions within the PDP, we are confident they will join us before the next general election.”
Alhaji Yasir Ibrahim, Chairman of the Local Government Chairmanship Aspirants’ Forum, described the experience of many aspirants within the PDP as “a betrayal of trust.”
“We were encouraged to contest, we bought expensive forms, and yet our names were never submitted to the electoral body. A faction of the party deliberately manipulated the process. That kind of deceit has no place in a democratic party,” Ibrahim said.
He emphasized that the PDP in Katsina had lost its standing as a viable opposition force.
“We no longer see the PDP as a party of the people. It is fragmented, and it has lost the moral ground to represent the interests of ordinary citizens,” he added.
Similarly, Malam Aminu Yunusa, who leads the Councilors Aspirants’ Forum, confirmed that about 247 councilorship aspirants had committed to the coalition after wide consultations.
“Before we made this move, we ensured that all our members understood and agreed to the new direction. We are ready to work with the coalition to help salvage not just our state, but Nigeria as a whole.”
Two former PDP House of Assembly candidates also joined the coalition during the event, deepening the party’s woes in the state.
Receiving the defectors, Alhaji Mustapha Inuwa, leader of the coalition, welcomed the new members and assured them of equal rights and opportunities within the movement.
“This coalition is built on justice, equity, and the collective will of the people. Your experience and political networks are a huge asset. You are not guests here—you are home,” Inuwa said.
He added that discussions were ongoing with stakeholders to determine the best political platform for the coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We are not rushing into just any party. We want to ensure we join a party that aligns with our goals and can truly challenge the status quo,” he said.
Senator Ahmed Babba-Kaita, a prominent political figure in Katsina, also addressed the gathering, praising the defectors for their courage and political awareness.
“I know many of you and the struggles you faced in the PDP. You were deceived by those who feared your popularity and capacity. Your decision to walk away from that toxic environment is both brave and commendable,” Babba-Kaita said.
He declared that the coming elections would be a contest not just between parties, but between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigerian people.
“This election will not be APC versus PDP—it will be APC versus the masses. Nigerians are tired. They are suffering, and they are looking for credible alternatives. That is what this coalition represents,” he concluded.
