Former Minister of Transport, Sen. Abdullahi Idris and other Chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The News Agency of Nigeria [NAN] reports that among the defectors were a former Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Lazerus Yoriyo, ex-House of Representative member, Alhaji Saidu Alkali and a former PDP Youth Leader, Alhaji Habu Mu’azu.

Idris said on Sunday in Dadin Kowa, during a rally to receive them into the APC, that their decision was to bring about positive development to the state.

He assured that they would collaborate with other APC leaders to contribute positively to the success of the party in the state and across the country.

The former transport minister urged officials of the APC in the state to operate an open door policy, so as to attract more entrants into the party.

Malam Adamu Pata, the APC Zonal Vice Chairman for Gombe Central, assured the defectors that they would be treated as equal stakeholders with those they met in the party.

According to him, their defection is a good omen for the APC ahead of future elections in the state.

Also, Kabiru Kukan-Daka, another party stalwart, assured the former minister and other new entrants of full support at all the times, adding that the party would tap from their experiences to advance its cause.

Kukan-Daka urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the success of President Muhammadu Buhari in the efforts to make Nigeria great and end security challenges in the Northeast.

Alhaji Sule Makaniki, Chairman of APC in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area, called on party supporters to unite for the good of the party.

He assured the defectors that the APC would not discriminate against them nor prevent them from aspiring for any position or making tangible contributions to its growth.

NAN reports that Idris obtained his APC membership card at Hinna Ward in Yamatu/Deba LGA (NAN)