In a dramatic turn of events that signals deeper tremors within the opposition, three House of Representatives members from Katsina State have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement, made during Thursday’s plenary session, was read aloud by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, amidst cheers and applause from fellow lawmakers.
Those making the switch are Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri (Mashi/Dutsi federal constituency), Hon. Aliyu Iliyasu Ruma (Batsari/Safana/Danmusa federal constituency), and Hon. Abdullahi Balarabe Dabai (Bakori/Danja federal constituency). Each lawmaker submitted formal letters to the Speaker citing reasons for their departure.
In a particularly emotional letter, Hon. Dabai thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, for what he described as a “warm and inclusive political reception” into the APC. His message read in part:
> “I sincerely thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Tukur Radda (Ph.D), for the home reception accorded to me.”
Speaker Abbas, while confirming the defections, delivered a remark that drew resounding applause across party lines:
> “Honourable colleagues, our friend has officially decamped. Members of PDP, APC, NNPP, and Labour should please rise and congratulate him for this very timely and wise decision—to join the greatest party in Africa.”
This development follows a similar political earthquake on Tuesday when all six PDP House members from Delta State crossed over to the APC. The Delta defectors include Reps Victor Nwokolo, Julius Pondi, Thomas Ereyitomi, Nicholas Mutu, Okodiko Jonathan, and Nnamdi Ezechi.
In their defection letters, the lawmakers pointed to persistent internal crises within the PDP as the driving force behind their decisions. Hon. Julius Pondi said:
> “This decision has become imperative due to unresolved and deepening issues within the PDP leadership structure at both the national and zonal levels. These rifts have eroded the party’s unity and crippled my capacity to effectively represent my constituents.”
Hon. Victor Nwokolo echoed similar concerns, stating:
> “The disintegration within the PDP at the national and South-South regional levels has made it untenable for me to remain. I officially align with the APC effective Wednesday, April 30th, 2025.”
The defections are the latest blow to the PDP, especially in Delta State, where the political landscape has witnessed a massive realignment. Key figures including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, Speaker of the State Assembly Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, and numerous party stalwarts have all recently joined the APC.
In a further show of political might, the PDP’s state chairman and all 25 local government chairpersons in Delta State have also defected to the APC—effectively leaving the party in disarray and fueling speculations of a potential political takeover by the ruling party in future elections.
The wave of defections underscores growing dissatisfaction within the PDP’s ranks, raising questions about its ability to regroup ahead of the next electoral cycle.
PIONEER NEWS 