PDP gains in Katsina as 34 ADC Assembly aspirants defect

By Musa Baba Adamu with agency report

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has recorded a significant political boost in Katsina State following the defection of 34 House of Assembly aspirants from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid deepening divisions within the opposition party.
The mass defection, which cuts across 18 local government areas, comes as the ADC continues to struggle with the aftermath of its controversial governorship primary election ahead of the 2027 polls.
The defectors formally joined the PDP, citing what they described as injustice, poor leadership and a lack of internal democracy within the ADC.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Ahmad Yusuf Jaguma said the decision was reached after careful consideration of the political situation in the state.
According to him, the aspirants became disillusioned with the leadership of the ADC and concluded that the PDP offered a more credible platform for pursuing their political aspirations.
“We thought deeply, and we found that PDP is the solution. We left a disorganised journey and returned to our original home,” Jaguma stated.
He revealed that many of the defectors had initially hoped that PDP leader Senator Yakubu Lado Danmarke would move to the ADC, but abandoned the idea when it became clear that he would remain in the PDP.
The latest development is expected to strengthen the PDP’s grassroots structure across the state as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Welcoming the new members, Katsina PDP Chairman Nuraddeen Kurfi assured them of equal treatment and opportunities within the party.
“You will have a full opportunity and justice in PDP. This party is home for everyone,” Kurfi said.
Also speaking, the PDP governorship candidate, Senator Yakubu Danmarke, expressed optimism that the party would continue to attract more politicians dissatisfied with developments in rival parties.
He disclosed that discussions were ongoing with other political actors and predicted that additional defections would occur in the coming weeks.
The defections come at a difficult time for the ADC, which remains embroiled in internal disputes following its governorship primary. Rival factions within the party have challenged the emergence of Ahmed Kaita as the governorship candidate, alleging irregularities and a lack of transparency in the process.
Meanwhile, political realignments in Katsina continue to gather pace, with reports suggesting that leaders of the ruling APC are making efforts to woo former governorship aspirant Mustapha Inuwa back into the party as stakeholders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.