No fewer than 300 opposition members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kawo Ward, Kaduna North Local Government Area, have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The wave of defections comes amid political manoeuvrings by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who hails from the same LGA, and is reportedly working with opposition leaders like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to form a coalition against the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At a reception ceremony held to welcome the new members, Dr. Jamilu Haruna, Permanent Member of the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), described the mass defection as a testament to Governor Uba Sani’s achievements in office.
“This defection is not surprising because genuine opposition members have seen the giant strides of Governor Uba Sani — from improved security, education, food security, to overall citizen welfare,” Haruna said.
He praised the governor’s accomplishments in infrastructure, agriculture, and rural transformation, saying these have earned Kaduna recognition at both the state and federal levels.
Dr. Haruna also acknowledged the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Sani Liman Kila, for contributing to the event’s success.
Receiving the defectors on behalf of the governor, APC Chairman in Kaduna North LGA, Alhaji Suleiman Wada Usman, commended their decision, assuring them of equal rights and inclusion within the party.
“You are not second-class members. You are welcome and valued. APC is the only party committed to the progress of Kaduna State,” he said.
The leader of the defectors, Prof. Usman Muhammad, a former PDP Senatorial aspirant, said he led 225 members from the PDP alone to join the APC because of Governor Uba Sani’s inclusive governance and visible achievements in their constituency.
Notable figures among the defectors include Barr. Aliyu Suleiman, former aspiring PDP State Legal Adviser; Alhaji Hamza Mati Salihu, PDP Chairman, Kawo Ward; Hon. Idris Badamasi Shuaibu, former PDP State Assembly aspirant; Tasiu Aliyu, PDP Youth Leader, Kawo Ward and Comrade Aminu Tanko Musa, NNPP Chairman, Kawo Ward.