12 Kaduna lawmakers, top politicians defect to APC

The political landscape in Kaduna State shifted on Saturday as twelve lawmakers and several opposition figures formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), strengthening the ruling party’s hold in the state.

Governor Uba Sani received the defectors at a grand rally held at the Murtala Mohammed Square in Kaduna, hailing the development as a resounding vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his administration’s reform efforts.

“This is more than a political realignment; it is a reaffirmation of our collective resolve to build a stronger and more united Nigeria,” the governor declared while welcoming the new members into the APC fold.

Among the defectors were six members of the House of Representatives: Amos Magaji (Jaba/Zango Kataf), Donatus Matthew (Kaura), Sadiq Ango-Abdullahi (Sabon Gari), Aliyu Abdullahi (Ikara/Kubau), Abdulkarim Kero (Kaduna South), and Hussaini Jalo (Igabi).

They were joined by six members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly — Shehu Nulge (Magajin Gari), Stingo Danlami (Kajuru), Ali Kalat (Jema’a), Henry Mahra (Jaba), Kantiok Emmanuel (Zonkwa), and Kambai Samuel (Zango Kataf).

Governor Sani assured the defectors of fair inclusion and active participation in party affairs, emphasizing that the APC remained a platform where “every member counts.”

“In the APC, there are no outsiders. Together, we will continue to promote peace, development, and good governance for the benefit of our people,” he said.

The rally was attended by several high-profile party leaders, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda; and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas, among other senior government and party officials.

Governor Sani also highlighted the growing strength of the APC in Kaduna, recalling recent high-profile defections, including those of former Governor Ramalan Yero, and former Senators Shehu Sani, Danjuma Laah, and Suleiman Hunkuyi.

“These developments reflect the widening acceptance of our progressive agenda and our vision for a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Kaduna State,” Sani stated.