JUST IN: Three More PDP Federal Lawmakers Defect to APC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost three more federal lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), deepening the ongoing wave of defections in the 10th National Assembly. During Thursday’s plenary session, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen read letters from Abdullahi Balarabe Dabai (Bakori/Danja), Aliyu Illiyasu (Safana/Butsari), and Salisu Yusuf Majigiri (Mashi/Dutsi), formally announcing their departure from the PDP.

Their exit brings the total number of lawmakers who have switched political allegiances since the Assembly was inaugurated on June 13, 2023, to 27. Of these, 24 have defected to the APC from the PDP, Labour Party, or the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). One moved from the Labour Party to APGA, while two Labour members joined the PDP.

Majigiri cited an unending “chronic crisis without cure” within the PDP at the national level as his reason for leaving, adding that he needed a more stable platform to continue his political journey and deliver effective representation. He also praised Katsina Governor Umar Dikko Radda’s leadership style, describing it as transparent, inclusive, and accountable.

Illiyasu pointed to deep internal divisions within the PDP, which he said have made it difficult to fulfill his responsibilities to his constituents. Dabai echoed similar sentiments, lamenting that the PDP has been embroiled in an unresolved crisis since 2022.

The defections were notably witnessed by Governor Radda, former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema, and other high-ranking APC officials from Katsina State, underlining the political significance of the shift.