No fewer than 15 prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defectors were presented to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, in Abuja by the Zamfara APC Chairman, Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani; Senator Tijjani Yahaya; and Hon. Lawal M. Liman.
Receiving the new members, Matawalle described their defection as “bold and timely,” noting that the APC remains the most popular and widely accepted party in Zamfara and across Nigeria.
“The APC will continue to grow stronger and more united with the current mobilisation strategy and welfare programmes being implemented in the state,” the minister said.
He commended the Zamfara APC leadership for its effective grassroots engagement and consultation efforts, which he said have strengthened the party’s base.
According to a statement by the APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Malan Yusuf Idris, those who joined the ruling party include PDP Youth Leader Isiyaka M. Dabo; Zonal Treasurer of Zamfara West, Nasiru Mohammed Anka; Organising Secretary for Zamfara North, Junaidu Magaji Kiyawa; and Assistant Organising Secretary for Zamfara West, Hon. Musa Halilu Faru.
Others are PDP Zonal Secretary for Zamfara North, Alhaji Lawali Aliyu Shinkafi; state ex-officio members Hajiya Rabi Bakura and Hajiya Amina Duniya; former PDP aspirant for Kaura Namoda South, Bashar Mohammed Dogon Kade; and ex-councillorship aspirant, Rilwanu Bello.
Danfulani assured the defectors of equal opportunities within the APC, saying the party remains open and fair to all who are committed to its success.
Speaking on behalf of the new entrants, Isiyaka Dabo said he left the PDP because “the party only favours the rich,” adding that he was inspired by Senator Abdulaziz Yari and Dr. Matawalle’s leadership.
Also, Amina Duniya, who said she spent 25 years in the PDP, urged APC leaders to promote fairness and justice while pledging to mobilise more supporters for the ruling party.
