A former aspirant for the House of Representatives seat under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State, in what is the latest in a string of political realignments sweeping the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bashar Geda, who had previously sought the ADC ticket to represent the Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo and Bunza Federal Constituency, announced his defection on Saturday during a gathering attended by his supporters, party members and political stakeholders in Birnin Kebbi. The event drew representatives from various parts of the state, with youth groups and government officials also in attendance.

Speaking at the occasion, Geda said his decision to leave the ADC and pitch his tent with the ruling APC was driven by his admiration for the leadership style and policies of Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris. He vowed to work closely with APC members in the state and use the coming months to mobilise grassroots support in his constituency. “We have less than eight months to the general elections. I will remain in Birnin Kebbi to mobilise support and ensure victory for Governor Idris,” he said.

Geda’s defection adds fresh momentum to the APC’s ongoing consolidation effort in Kebbi State, which has seen several notable political figures cross into the ruling party’s fold in recent months. In January, former PDP governorship aspirant Alhaji Lawali Dakingari led thousands of supporters from Suru Local Government Area into the APC, while the party has continued to attract defectors from multiple opposition platforms. APC leaders have framed each wave of defections as evidence of growing public confidence in Governor Idris and the direction of his administration.

The political climate in Kebbi, however, remains fiercely contested. Former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, who now flies the ADC governorship flag, has emerged as the principal challenger to Idris ahead of 2027, having secured his party’s ticket unopposed. His presence at the top of the ADC ticket is expected to make some members think twice before abandoning the opposition platform, even as the APC intensifies its outreach across the state’s 21 local government areas.