Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing the Kaduna South Senatorial District, has officially welcomed 317 defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This significant political shift took place in the Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, signaling a notable change in local party dynamics.

The reception ceremony was held in Jere, drawing attendees from several key areas. The defectors were primarily sourced from the Jere North, Jere South, and Iddah wards, all of whom gathered to publicly declare their new allegiance to the ruling party.

The group was led by AbdulRahman Jere, who formerly served as the PDP Chairman in Kagarko Local Government. His leadership in this transition underscores the weight of the defection and the potential realignment of political support within the constituency.

During the event, the defectors articulated their specific reasons for switching sides. They cited the governance performance at both the federal and state levels, pointing to the current administrations of President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani as primary influencers for their decision.

Beyond national and state leadership, the defectors expressed specific appreciation for Senator Katung himself. They highlighted his accessibility and his history of fulfilling campaign promises, noting that he distinguishes himself by actively listening to his constituents rather than disappearing after elections.

In his address, Senator Katung warmly received the new members. He framed their decision not as a simple change in party affiliation, but as an entry into a “movement for results” that is actively changing the landscape of the district.

The Senator took the opportunity to outline the tangible outcomes of this movement. He pointed to ongoing development projects, including the construction of roads, the establishment of federal universities, and the provision of medical centers, as clear evidence of why voters are shifting their support.

Regarding the integration of these new members, Senator Katung provided specific strategic direction. He instructed them to waste no time in blending into the existing APC structures, specifically at the ward and polling unit levels, to strengthen the party’s foundation.

Looking toward the future, the Senator emphasized that the work for the 2027 election cycle must begin now. He urged the new members to prioritize door-to-door mobilization over social media campaigns, asserting that the party’s success depends on direct, grassroots engagement with the people of Southern Kaduna.