In a dramatic turn of events that is reshaping the political landscape in Kaduna State, three lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing Governor Uba Sani’s impressive leadership and governance as the driving force behind their decision.
The lawmakers, Henry Mara of Jaba Constituency, Emmanuel Kantiok of Zonkwa Constituency, and Samuel Kamabai of Zangon Kataf Constituency, announced their defection at their respective wards on Thursday, sending shockwaves through the opposition party. Their departure is seen as a significant blow to PDP’s influence in Southern Kaduna, a region historically known as its stronghold.
Their defection comes just days after Amos Magaji, the representative for Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, also dumped PDP for APC, further strengthening the ruling party’s grip on the state.
Speaking on their decision, the lawmakers emphasized that Governor Uba Sani’s leadership has transformed Kaduna, restoring peace, security, and unity, particularly in areas that had long suffered from instability. According to them, their constituents deserve to be aligned with a government that is delivering results, and the APC under Governor Sani has demonstrated a clear commitment to progress.
Mara, who serves as the spokesman of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, declared that PDP’s dominance in Southern Kaduna has collapsed, adding that the party’s influence has weakened beyond repair. He stated that Governor Sani’s achievements have erased previous hostilities towards the APC, making it the preferred choice for those seeking meaningful governance.
He further revealed that more PDP lawmakers are on the verge of defecting, signaling a major realignment in the power structure of the Kaduna State House of Assembly. He described the opposition as being in a state of disarray, with many of its members recognizing that their political future is better secured within the ruling APC.
Kantiok, reinforcing Mara’s stance, stressed that the return of peace under Governor Uba Sani’s administration has been a major factor in their decision. He acknowledged that the governor’s leadership has weakened PDP’s influence in Southern Kaduna, a region that once served as the backbone of the opposition. He maintained that their defection is a strategic move to align with a government that is delivering real change.
Kamabai, who represents Zangon Kataf Constituency, echoed similar sentiments, asserting that Governor Sani’s administration has set a new standard in governance. He expressed confidence that their constituents would benefit more from their decision to embrace the ruling party, rather than remain in an opposition that is losing its relevance.
Observers believe that this wave of defections is only the beginning, with speculations that more PDP lawmakers may soon abandon ship, further tilting the balance of power in favor of the APC.
As Kaduna’s political dynamics continue to shift, one question remains: Is this the beginning of the end for PDP in the state?