About 15 key officials of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State, including state and zonal executives, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defectors, who held various strategic positions in the PDP, were formally received into the APC by Alhaji Tijani Yahaya on behalf of Abdul’aziz Yari, former governor and senator representing Zamfara West in Abuja yesterday.
Among those who defected were former PDP youth leader, Sahad Dabo; former treasurer, Nasiru Anka; former organising secretary, Janaidu Magaji Kiyawa; and another former organising secretary, Musa Halilu Faru. Others included former zonal organising secretary, Lawali Aliyu; Hajiya Rabi Bakura; and ex-officio members, Hajiya Amina Duniya and Alhaji Tijani Yahaya.
Yahaya said Yari and the minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, would host an elaborate ceremony to welcome the defectors on their return to the country officially.
“It is a great day for our party. Their coming into the APC will strengthen our structure and boost our chances in the 2027 elections,” he said.
Yahaya added that both new and old members would enjoy equal opportunities in the party.
He described the defection of PDP executive members to an opposition party in the state as a good omen. He urged the new entrants to work collectively to consolidate the APC’s growing popularity.
Yahaya later handed the defectors over to the APC state chairman, Tukur Umar Danfulani, who commended Yari and Matawalle for strengthening the party across Zamfara.
Danfulani assured the newcomers of full integration, noting that the APC “remains open and fair to all committed to its progress.”
Dabo, while handing over his PDP membership card, said he left because the opposition party only favours the rich, stressing that Yari’s leadership inspired him.
Amina Duniya, who said she spent 25 years in the PDP, called on APC leaders to ensure fairness and justice, pledging to mobilise more supporters.
Other defectors included Bashar Mohammed Dogon Kade, a former PDP aspirant for the Kaura Namoda South constituency, and Rilwanu Bello, an ex-councillorship aspirant.
APC state publicity secretary, Yusuf Gusau, confirmed that the defectors comprised of members of the PDP State Executive Committee, a House of Assembly aspirant, a former local government chairmanship aspirant, his campaign coordinator, and a councillor.
Gusau dismissed speculations of a crisis within the APC, insisting that the party is strong, united, and growing more popular by the day.
He added: “With our recent victory in the state by-election and the calibre of people joining us, it is clear that APC will reclaim Zamfara in 2027.”
