In a significant political shakeup, former governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Zamfara State, Dr. Sani Shinkafi, alongside several chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Naija247news gathered that the move is seen as a major boost for the APC as it seeks to consolidate its hold on the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the defectors were formally received into the APC at a ceremony in Gusau, the state capital, on Tuesday. The event was attended by top APC leaders, including Governor Dauda Lawal, who described the defections as a testament to the party’s growing influence in Zamfara. “This is a clear indication that the APC remains the party of choice for progressive-minded individuals in Zamfara and beyond,” the governor said.
Naija247news understands that Dr. Shinkafi, a prominent political figure in the state, cited the need for unity and development as his reason for joining the APC. “I believe in the vision of the APC to transform Zamfara and improve the lives of our people. This is not about personal gain but about collective progress,” he stated during the ceremony.
The PDP chieftains who defected include former commissioners, local government chairmen, and party executives. Naija247news reports that their departure is a significant blow to the PDP, which has been struggling to regain relevance in the state since losing the 2023 governorship election.
Political analysts have described the defections as a strategic move by the APC to weaken opposition parties and strengthen its grassroots base. According to Naija247news, the APC is leveraging its incumbency and the defectors’ influence to position itself for future elections. “This is a well-calculated political strategy. The APC is sending a message that it is the dominant force in Zamfara,” said Dr. Aminu Bello, a political scientist at Usmanu Danfodiyo University.
However, the PDP has downplayed the impact of the defections, describing them as inconsequential. In a statement obtained by Naija247news, the Zamfara PDP chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Mallaha, said, “The PDP remains strong and focused. Those who have left were never true progressives. We wish them well in their new party.”
As the political landscape in Zamfara continues to evolve, the defections highlight the fluid nature of Nigerian politics. According to Naija247news, the APC’s ability to attract high-profile defectors underscores its dominance in the state, while the PDP faces an uphill task to rebuild and regain the trust of voters. For now, the focus is on how these developments will shape the battle for Zamfara in the coming years.
