Major Political Realignment in Kebbi as All PDP Senators Defect to APC.
In a significant political shift, all three senators representing Kebbi State have officially defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a major realignment in the state’s political landscape.
The defections were formally announced during Tuesday’s Senate plenary session, which was attended by top APC leaders, including the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris. The Senate invoked Order 42 of its Standing Rules to allow visitors into the chamber to witness the high-profile cross-carpeting.
The defecting senators—Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Musa—cited persistent internal crises within the PDP, the party’s poor performance in the last general elections, and what they described as a loss of alignment with its founding ideals as reasons for their departure.
In their respective letters read by the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, the lawmakers said they believe the APC offers a stronger and more cohesive platform to deliver democratic dividends to their constituents. They expressed alignment with the “Renewed Hope” agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The APC provides a more viable and unified platform to better serve the people of Kebbi and contribute meaningfully to national development,” the senators stated.
The session also saw the presence of other senior party officials, including the National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu; Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Tanko Yusuf; and former senators Ahmed Makarfi and Uche Ekwunife, among others.
Reacting to the development, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele dismissed concerns circulating on social media that the APC is attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. He emphasized that the Senate’s collaborative posture is aimed at national progress and not partisan dominance.
“Those referring to the Senate as a rubber stamp should desist. Our actions are rooted in the collective interest of Nigerians. The lawmakers joining us are seasoned politicians not easily swayed,” Bamidele said.
He also extended an invitation to other opposition lawmakers, encouraging them to join the ruling party in its efforts to move the country forward.