Kaduna PDP Lawmakers Defect to APC, Cite Internal Crisis and Alignment with Tinubu’s Agenda

Three members of the House of Representatives from Kaduna State have dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), deepening the crisis within the opposition party and strengthening the APC’s hold in the North-West state.

The lawmakers — Hon. Abdulkarim Ahmed (Kaduna South Federal Constituency), Hon. Aliyu Mustapha Abdullahi (Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituency), and Hon. Sadiq Ango-Abdullahi (Sabon Gari Federal Constituency) — announced their defection in separate letters read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during Tuesday’s plenary in Abuja. In their letters, the lawmakers cited “lingering leadership crisis” and “unending internal divisions” within the PDP as reasons for their exit, adding that the situation had made it difficult to effectively represent their constituents. They said their decision to join the APC was driven by a desire to support the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu and align with the development vision of Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani. Governor Uba Sani, who attended the plenary session, welcomed the defectors, describing their decision as a “bold and patriotic step” that reflects confidence in the APC’s leadership and governance philosophy. “These lawmakers have chosen progress over politics,” the governor said. “Their decision shows that the APC remains the most credible platform for delivering real development to the people. APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje also congratulated the lawmakers and said the ruling party remains open to all progressive-minded Nigerians willing to contribute to the nation’s development. The defections mark a major blow to the PDP, which has been battling internal wrangling across several state chapters. Before the latest wave, the PDP held a significant share of Kaduna’s federal legislative seats, but the defection of the three lawmakers leaves the opposition with only a handful of representatives from the state. Reacting to the development, House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) raised a constitutional concern, citing Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that a lawmaker who defects without proof of division in their party risks losing their seat. He argued that the PDP remains intact and therefore the defectors should vacate their positions. Political analysts say the defections reflect a broader realignment of political forces in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. “This is part of the APC’s consolidation strategy in key northern states,” said Dr. Ibrahim Sani, a political scientist at Kaduna State University. “But it also exposes the PDP’s inability to resolve its internal disputes, which could cost it even more ground ahead of the next polls Meanwhile, PDP officials in Kaduna have vowed to reclaim the defectors’ seats, accusing the lawmakers of betraying the mandate of their constituents As Nigeria’s political atmosphere heats up toward 2027, observers believe more defections may occur as politicians reposition themselves in anticipation of future electoral opportunities.