By Emmanuel Kwada
Three senators from Kebbi State, elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during a Senate plenary session on Tuesday. The defectors are Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South).
The defection follows a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on May 9, where APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje announced the senators’ decision to join the APC.
Ganduje, who led Kebbi State stakeholders, including Governor Nasir Idris, to the meeting, stated that the move was the result of extensive negotiations among key political figures in the state.
“Our constitution is clear about this, and with our political dexterity in managing such affairs, I assure you that there will be a smooth integration,” Ganduje said, adding that President Tinubu had given his blessing to the transition.
Our constitution is clear about this, and with our political dexterity in managing such affairs, I assure you that there will be a smooth integration
The senators cited internal crises within the PDP as a primary reason for their departure, echoing sentiments expressed by other recent defectors. The APC has welcomed the move, with party leaders emphasizing their commitment to integrating the new members fully.
The defection further strengthens the APC’s numerical advantage in the Senate, as the party continues to attract opposition lawmakers amid a wave of defections nationwide.
The PDP has yet to issue an official response to the latest defections, but the party has previously criticized similar moves, demanding that defecting elected officials vacate their seats.
