PDP Elders and NNPP Members Defect to APC, Citing Infrastructure and Empowerment Gains

In a notable shift in Kano’s political landscape, a group of high-ranking Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elders loyal to former Kano State Governor Malam Ibrahim Shekarau have officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The group was formally received by Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, during a courtesy visit to his residence in Abuja.

Announcing the development on his verified Facebook page, Senator Barau stated:

“I received a group of elders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who belong to the camp of the former governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, into our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

The defecting delegation, led by Hon. Lawan Abubakar Tsanyawa, included influential figures such as Shura Council members, Hisbah commanders, former lawmakers, and local government chairmen. Their defection marks a significant realignment ahead of future political cycles in Kano.

Also present at the reception was Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, who joined in welcoming the new members into the APC fold.

According to Senator Barau, the defectors cited tangible benefits they experienced from APC-led initiatives even while they were PDP members. These included:

• Infrastructure development projects

• Empowerment programs

• Job creation efforts

• Community-level interventions

“Even as PDP members, they said they had benefitted enormously from our interventions in infrastructure, empowerment, employment, and other areas. This motivated their decision to return to the APC,” Senator Barau explained.

He further assured the newcomers that they would be fully integrated into the party structure without bias:

“They are not strangers to the APC. They were once members before following their leader to the PDP. Now that we are reunited, they will be treated fairly and equally.”

In a parallel move, another delegation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Bichi Local Government Area was received by Senator Barau. This group, led by Alhaji Saleh Rabiu Yusuf, a former council chairman, also cited the credibility of APC leadership and the positive impact of its programs as their reasons for joining the ruling party.

Observers say these dual defections could reshape political alliances ahead of the next election cycle, reinforcing the APC’s foothold in Kano and deepening its outreach among former opposition ranks.