Just in: 3 PDP lawmakers defect to APC

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday suffered another setback as three of its members in the House of Representatives from Kaduna State defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to The Punch, the lawmakers, which include Abdulkarim Ahmed (Kaduna South), Aliyu Mustapha (Ikara/Kubau), and Sadiq Ango-Abdullahi (Sabongari) announced their defection in separate letters read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during plenary.

Their move comes amid a growing trend of defections in the North-West, with several prominent figures, including Senator Shehu Sani and Hon. Amos Magaji, recently returning to the APC fold.

In their letters, the lawmakers cited the prolonged internal crisis rocking the PDP and their desire to align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as the main reasons for leaving the party.

One of the defectors, Abdulkarim Ahmed, said his decision followed wide consultations with his constituents and political stakeholders.

“The constant internal conflicts and factionalism within the PDP have made it impossible to represent my people effectively. After careful reflection, I have resolved to resign my membership and continue serving my people under a platform that promotes purposeful and inclusive governance,” he said.

The defectors expressed appreciation to the PDP for past opportunities but insisted that the current leadership crisis within the party had crippled its effectiveness.

Their defection further strengthens the APC’s grip in Kaduna, where Governor Uba Sani and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas have recently received dozens of new members into the ruling party.