1,500 PDP members defect to APC in Kebbi
More than 1,500 members of the Peoples Democratic Party from the Zuru Emirate have defected to the All Progressives Congress in Kebbi State, marking a significant political shift ahead of upcoming elections.
The defectors were received on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi by the Kebbi State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru, who said Governor Nasir Idris’ performance made the move inevitable.
“Even if His Excellency had only constructed the Koko-Dabai-Zuru Road, it would have been enough for the people of Zuru Emirate to return him for a second term,” Kana-Zuru said.
He highlighted the governor’s broader developmental achievements, citing renovated hospitals, primary healthcare centres, schools, and other infrastructure across the state.
Kana-Zuru assured the new members that they would enjoy equal treatment within the party.
“Whatever we do as a party, we will involve everybody, new or old. Feel at home — you have made the right choice,” he told the defectors.
One of the frontline defectors, Alhaji Lawali Arzika Riba, a former PDP House of Assembly candidate, said he left the opposition because Governor Idris had proven to be “a courageous and result-driven leader.”
“The rescue of the abducted schoolgirls of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, showed coordinated action between the state, federal government and security agencies. Kaura deserves special commendation,” he said.
Arzika Riba, however, criticised some aides of the governor for allegedly failing to match his pace and commitment, urging them to do more to support the administration.
Two female defectors from Danko-Wasagu LGA, Binta Bena and Hajiya Maryam, said the PDP had lost its footing in the area.
“Our decision is based on the exemplary leadership of Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris. Danko-Wasagu is fully APC now. We will deliver block votes,” they said.
The mass defection is seen as a boost for the APC as political realignments intensify across Kebbi State.
