Seven Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside three members of the party’s State Executive Committee and several youth and women leaders, have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State.
The defectors formally joined the APC after being received by Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Faruku Labbo, stating that their decision followed their assessment of the governor’s leadership and the performance of his administration.
Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Abubakar Bawa, identified the individuals as Ahmed Umar and Aliyu Mai Shinkafa, both PDP executive members in Binji LGA; Mohammed Yusuf of Kware; Altine Gudu of Gudu; Manir Tureta of Tureta; Bello Iya of Sabon Birni; Abubakar Bodinga of Bodinga; Mu’awiyya Noma of Tangaza; Muntari Dan Dare of Silame; and Almustafa S. Tudu of Tambuwal.
Other defectors included Garba Iya, Balkisu Yusuf, Naja’atu Buhari, Bilkisu Sidi and Sadiya Umar, who held various youth and women leadership positions within the PDP at the state and local government levels, as announced in a statement issued last night.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Shehu Mai Rago said their decision was influenced by what he described as Governor Aliyu’s inclusive leadership and respect for political opponents.
Mai Rago noted that despite their previous membership of the opposition PDP, the governor had neither victimised nor intimidated them.
He described Aliyu as a humble and purposeful leader committed to improving the welfare of residents.
He also praised the administration’s development projects, saying they covered different sectors and were designed to benefit various communities across the state.
The spokesperson further pledged that the new APC members would work towards persuading other PDP local government chairmen who had yet to join the ruling party to follow their example.
In his remarks, Labbo welcomed the defectors and described their decision as a demonstration of political foresight.
He urged them to mobilise their supporters and work towards securing electoral victories for the APC in the forthcoming general elections. He also assured them of full integration into the party’s activities.