Supporters of former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, under the banner of the Bafarawa Akida Movement, have formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Naijaonpoint reports that the defection was announced on Wednesday, December 17, after a consultative meeting of elders and leaders of the movement drawn from all the 23 local government areas of Sokoto State.
Speaking after the meeting, the chairman of the movement, Prof. Hamza Maishanu, said the decision followed extensive consultations and reflected the collective will of members across the state.
According to him, the elders and leaders of the group carefully reviewed the political situation before resolving to leave the PDP and align with the APC.
Maishanu explained that the move was informed by the performance of the current administration and the cordial relationship between Governor Ahmed Aliyu and Bafarawa.
He said the elders resolved to support the government of Governor Aliyu, noting that the administration’s performance influenced their decision.
Maishanu added that the relationship between the governor and the former Sokoto governor also played a role in the realignment, stressing that the choice was taken in good faith and in the interest of members.
The movement’s chairman dismissed insinuations that the defection was linked to the 2027 general elections or the result of external political pressure.
He maintained that the decision to join the APC was formal and deliberate, adding that further consultations would be held to complete all necessary procedures required for the defection.
Meanwhile, Bafarawa reiterated that he had quit active politics and had not personally joined the APC.
The former governor, however, said he supported the decision of his followers, stressing that they were free to make political choices they believed were in their best interest.