In a significant political reshuffle within Sokoto State, seven local government chairmen from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside three members of the PDP State Executive Committee and numerous youth and women leaders, have officially defected to the governing All Progressives Congress (APC). This move signals a notable shift in the local political landscape as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
The defections were formally announced on Tuesday via a press statement released by Abubakar Bawa, the Director-General of Media and Publicity at Government House, Sokoto. Alhaji Faruku Labbo, the Special Adviser on Political Matters to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, received the new members on behalf of the APC.
Reasons for Leaving the PDP
Shehu Abdullahi Mai Rago, who spoke on behalf of the defecting group, attributed their decision to depart from the PDP to their profound confidence in Governor Aliyu's leadership and his administration's strategic approach to state development. He commended Governor Aliyu for demonstrating remarkable political tolerance, noting that the governor had avoided targeting or victimising opposition members. Mai Rago further characterised the governor as humble, respectful, and unwavering in his commitment to enhancing the lives of ordinary citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations.
Reports from Tribune also indicated that Mai Rago lauded the current administration's projects spanning various sectors. He expressed the new APC members' resolve to persuade the remaining PDP local government chairmen to follow suit and join the ruling party.
Upon receiving the defectors, Alhaji Labbo urged them to leverage their extensive political networks and grassroots presence to ensure victories for the APC in the forthcoming 2027 general elections. He also provided assurances of equal treatment and complete integration into the existing party structures for all new members.
Prominent Defectors to the APC in Sokoto
Among the notable figures who have switched allegiance are Aliyu Mai Shinkafa, a PDP State Executive Committee member from Binji; Mohammed Yusuf, the PDP chairman in Kware; Altine Gudu, the PDP chairman in Gudu; Manir Tureta, the PDP chairman in Tureta; Abubakar Ango Bodinga, the PDP chairman in Bodinga; Mu'awiyya Noma, the PDP chairman in Tangaza; and Muntari Dan Dare, the PDP chairman in Silame.
Additional defectors include Bello Garba Iya, PDP secretary in Sabon Birni; Almustafa S. Tudu, PDP secretary in Tambuwal; Ahmed A. Umar; and Garba Iya. Youth and women leaders who have also crossed over are Balkisu Yusuf, PDP youth leader in Sokoto North; Naja'atu Buhari, the party's state youth leader; Bilkisu Sidi, women leader in Waziri B Ward; and Sadiya Umar, Zawarawa women leader.
In a parallel development, members of the Amalgamated Association of ADC Traders, Youths and Students Stakeholders, executives of the ADC Tudun Wada Ward, and other influential figures from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have also aligned with the APC. This group includes Alhaji Shehu Jalka of Tudun Wada B and Alhaji Badamasi of Magajin Rafi B, both of whom cited the ongoing developmental initiatives in the state under Governor Aliyu's leadership as their primary motivation.
This wave of defections signifies yet another significant political realignment within Sokoto State, illustrating the intensifying strategic moves by political parties in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
President Tinubu Addresses Allegations of One-Party State
Earlier, President Bola Tinubu addressed recent accusations from some opposition politicians, who claimed he was attempting to transform Nigeria into a one-party state. Speaking at the APC national summit in Abuja on May 22, the President maintained that individuals were joining his party because the APC was effectively addressing the aspirations of the populace.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party had previously accused Tinubu of orchestrating crises within opposition parties as part of a larger scheme.