Political tsunami hits Southern Kaduna as PDP, LP bigwigs defect to APC
In this report, GODWIN ISENYO writes on the political maneuvering that could shape Kaduna politics ahead of the 2027 elections
In a dramatic turn of events, Kaduna, especially, the Southern part has witnessed a mass exodus of politicians from the Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. This seismic shift has left many wondering what this means for the region’s future.
As one Kaduna South resident quipped, “It’s like a game of musical chairs, but instead of chairs, it’s party affiliations!” But beneath the humour lies a complex web of political maneuvering that could have far-reaching implications for Kaduna South.
In one swope, hundreds of prominent politicians across the state defected recently where that state governor, Senator Uba Sani welcomed them in droves. Among the first batch of those that defectors are Senator Danjuma Laar, Godfrey Ali Gaiya, and Ado Dogo Audu, all former members of the PDP. Additionally, Representatives Amos Gwamna Magaji and Donatus Mathew, as well as state legislators Henry Marah Zakariah, Samuel Kambai Koza, and Barrister Emmanuel Kantiok, have also joined the APC. The defections occurred during the APC’s zonal rally in Kafanchan, Southern Kaduna, where thousands of party supporters gathered to pass a vote of confidence in Governor Sani’s administration.
At another fora, other new members, who defected from other parties, include notable figures such as Shehu Sani, former Governor of Kaduna State Alhaji Muktar Ramalan Yero, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi.
So, what’s behind this mass exodus? Insiders point to a combination of factors, including the APC’s perceived strength at the national level and the allure of being part of the ruling party.
“Many of these politicians are pragmatists who want to be on the winning side,” says a local analyst. “They believe that joining the APC will give them a better shot at accessing resources and influencing policy decisions.”
Governor Sani attributed the APC’s growing popularity in Southern Kaduna and the entire to his administration’s commitment to justice and fairness.
“APC is now taking over Southern Kaduna because my administration is anchored on justice. I am abiding by the oath of my office by being just to every segment of Kaduna State, irrespective of party affiliation or ethno-religious background,” Sani boast
The governor, while addressing a crowd of party supporters at Murtala Square, said, “Someone who joins APC today and the one who has been a foundation member 10 years ago, they are of the same status. They will enjoy the same rights and privileges.”
He urged the new members to notify their supporters of the readiness of APC to accept them into the party, as their doors are still open to accept more defectors.
According to Governor Sani, the popularity and acceptability of APC is due to its just leadership at both the state and federal levels. He expressed confidence that the party will emerge victorious in the 2027 elections, from top to bottom, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu leading the charge.
“In 2027 election, the electorate will vote for APC in all the elections, from top to bottom. At the top, our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be elected. At the state level, the party will be voted for at the gubernatorial, National and State Assembly elections, by the Grace of God,” Governor Sani said.
He also promised that his administration will execute projects in all parts of Kaduna State, regardless of party affiliations and ethno-religious considerations.
“Politics is different from governance. We will be fair to all, whether or not they voted for us, because that is the oath of office that we swore to uphold as leaders,” Governor Sani emphasized.
The Governor also reminded the crowd that leaders will be held accountable in the hereafter regarding how they led the people whom God had entrusted on them.
But not everyone is convinced that this mass defection is a good thing. Critics argue that it undermines the democratic process and creates an uneven playing field. “When politicians switch parties en masse, it erodes trust in the system and makes a mockery of the electoral process,” says a Kaduna South resident who preferred to remain anonymous.
First to fire the first salvor with his reaction, is the chairman of the state chapter of the PDP, Edward Masha, who alleged that some of their members who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress worked against the party in 2023.
shells who can’t even win their polling units during any election,” he added.
A former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, has expressed his disappointment and concern over the recent defections of members from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling APC.
Tambuwal attributed the defections to “stomach infrastructure” rather than the interest of the people.
“People leave parties for certain reasons or for different reasons, but what I have been observing in the past are defections not based on the interest of the people but based on stomach infrastructure,” Tambuwal said.
According to him, “If you are talking about defecting in the interest of the people, I believe no one can go to the APC. If you are a politician with conscience, with the current policies being driven by the government of the APC and the current economic doldrum that the APC has driven Nigerians into and hardship across the country and the dismal performance of the Tinubu’s administration, there is nothing attractive outside stomach infrastructure.”
Tambuwal questioned the motivation behind the defections, stating that no politician with a conscience would join the APC given its current policies and the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
The party further stated that with its party reaching the state of near saturation, there was no need to bother about individuals who are running from pillar to post in search of political relevance.
“Rather than desperately searching for who to pull down, they should engage in soul searching and atone for their past misdeeds. In so doing, they will have peace,” he concluded.
According to Shehu Sani, former lawmaker, the defection of former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, from the All Progressives Congress to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) will not change the political landscape of the state.
Sani, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, stated that El-Rufai’s political relevance and fortune have eclipsed, and his defection to the SDP will not make any difference.
“Leaving APC for SDP wouldn’t make any difference for someone with no political relevance again,” Sani said in a reaction to El-Rufai’s defection.
Sani also expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani will be re-elected in 2027.
But one thing is sure, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani will be voted again,” he said.
Again, the APC in the state, dismissed ElEl-Rufai’s defection from APC to SDP, saying it will not lose sleep over the move.
However, reacting, Baba-Pate, said the party remained unperturbed by the defection of the former governor, saying the party is focused on delivering the state to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.
Baba-Pate, expressed confidence in the party’s growing strength in the state, citing the influx of high-profile politicians joining the party daily in the state.
He said, “we are unperturbed by former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to another party.Our main focus in Kaduna is on how to deliver the state to both President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and governor Uba Sani in 2027.
“The APC in Kaduna State is growing day by day, judging from the calibre of politicians streaming into the party on a daily basis. So, we are not disturbed by anybody defecting to another party based on our governor’s inclusive governance in the state.
“We are not disturbed and we are not going to lose our sleep over El-rufai’s moves. The party in the state is growing more than before.”
What must have endeared the party to the people of the Southern Kaduna, stronghold of the main opposition PDP the Fourth Republic.
Perhaps, the politics of inclusivity by the governing APC in both the state and the National levels. As Luka Binniyat, a former Spokesman of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, puts it: “We are having a better deal under Bola Ahmed Tinubu than under Buhari, even though we are all suffering the economic hardship like everyone else.”
Binniyat, who’s also the Spokesman of the Middle Belt Forum, cited the establishment of the North Central Development Commission, which includes six Middle Belt states, including Southern Kaduna , and the appointment of Gen. Musa Christopher as Chief of Defense Staff, who has helped reduce invasions and mass slaughter in the region.
“Former Governor Nasir el-Rufai was a replica of Gen. Buhari, but in a more toxic form to us. He pampered the foreign Fulani that were plundering communities and killing in large numbers, to the extent that he traced them to their countries of origin and paid them what he claimed to be ‘compensation.’ But under the present Governor Uba Sani, that trend has largely ceased to exist as he seems more tolerant and more inclusive in his governance,” Binniyat said.
In the same vein, in as much as the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union are commending the Uba Sani and President Bola Tinubu’s administrations for its inclusivity, particularly in appointing sons and daughters from Southern Kaduna to key positions, the union kept it’s option open regarding the 2027 elections.
According to Josiah Abraks, spokesman for SOKAPU, “We really appreciate Mr. President because of what he has been doing. We have seen really Tinubu has come to bring Southern Kaduna into the main light by virtual of inclusivity.”
Like Binniyat, Abraks cited the appointment of Gen. Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff and the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Science, Kachia, as notable examples of the president’s inclusivity.
“The Southern Kaduna, if you ask me, jubilations everywhere and to tell you, the university is going to impact positively on the Southern Kaduna people. And some of the potentials that are lying fallow will come to play by the time the Federal University comes on stream and takes off fully,” Abraks said.
When asked about SOKAPU’s stance on President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, Abraks kept options open, saying, “Southern part of Kaduna would be willing to partner with whoever that is ready to work with us to ensure our growth and development.”
But what does this mean for Kaduna South’s future? One thing is clear: the APC’s strengthened position in the region will likely have significant implications for policy decisions and resource allocation. With a stronger APC presence, Kaduna South may see more investment in infrastructure and social services, which could benefit local residents.
However, others worry that the APC’s dominance could lead to a lack of accountability and oversight. “When one party has too much power, it can lead to abuse of office and corruption,” warns a local civil society leader. “We need to ensure that there are robust checks and balances in place to prevent this from happening.”
As the dust settles on this mass defection, one thing is clear: Kaduna South’s political landscape has been forever altered. While the implications of this shift are still unclear, one thing is certain – the people of Kaduna South will be watching with bated breath as the drama unfolds.
What next for Governor Uba Sani?
The mass defection to the APC has significant implications for Governor Uba Sani’s chances of re-election. With a stronger APC presence in Kaduna South, Governor Sani may find it easier to consolidate his position and deliver on his campaign promises.
However, critics argue that the governor’s reliance on defectors from other parties could undermine his legitimacy and create divisions within the APC. “Governor Sani needs to be careful not to alienate his core supporters by relying too heavily on defectors,” warns a local political analyst.
As the governor navigates this new political landscape, one thing is clear – he will need to work hard to deliver on his campaign promises and maintain the trust of his supporters.
The mass defection to the APC in Kaduna South has redefined the region’s political landscape. While the implications of this shift are still unclear, one thing is certain – the people of Kaduna South will be watching with bated breath as the drama unfolds.
