3 PDP senators defect to APC as Ganduje confirms smooth integration plans

DDM News

Three senators from Kebbi State have officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political shift within the Nigerian Senate.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the development was confirmed by the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who described the defection as a strategic move that will strengthen the party’s influence in Kebbi State and beyond.

Ganduje made this statement after leading the defecting senators to a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday.

He expressed full confidence in the APC’s internal mechanisms, stating that the party is well-equipped to manage the influx of new members through its constitutionally guided structures.

The three lawmakers Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Senator Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) were all elected under the PDP platform.

Their decision to defect follows weeks of behind-the-scenes consultations involving key stakeholders from Kebbi State, signaling a shift in political alliances.

According to Ganduje, the APC has a clear process for integrating new members, which includes internal dialogue and consultation with party organs at all levels.

He emphasized that the senators would be smoothly absorbed into the party and assured that the transition would not create friction within the APC.

The APC chairman noted that such realignments are common in Nigeria’s political system, where lawmakers often switch parties in pursuit of greater political opportunities and alignment with prevailing national interests.

He described the defections as a calculated and advantageous step, not only for the senators but also for the ruling party, especially in terms of increasing its legislative strength.

Ganduje confirmed that the senators’ move had received the approval and endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who welcomed them into the APC during the meeting.

This endorsement, he said, reflects the President’s support for expanding the party’s reach and influence in both the Senate and across the nation.

He further revealed that the senators would officially announce their defection on the floor of the Senate by the upcoming Tuesday, making their switch public and formal.

Ganduje assured that the APC was prepared to recognize and accommodate the senators in accordance with the party’s constitution and operational guidelines.

Political observers say the defection could significantly alter the balance of power in Kebbi State and may also influence legislative developments at the national level.

Senator Adamu Aliero is a former governor and influential figure in northern Nigeria, bringing political weight to the APC.

Senator Yahaya Abdullahi previously served as Senate Majority Leader, contributing experience and leadership to the party’s upper chamber presence.

Senator Garba Maidoki, a first-time senator, is believed to hold strong grassroots support in Kebbi South and adds diversity to the APC’s representation.

Critics of the defections argue that such moves reflect a pattern of political opportunism and could undermine voter trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Nonetheless, Ganduje insisted that the APC remains a party guided by structure, discipline, and inclusiveness, and that its doors are open to like-minded politicians seeking national development.

The PDP has yet to issue an official response, though sources within the party hint at internal concerns over the loss of three prominent senators.

Analysts believe more defections may follow as the political climate heats up in preparation for future elections and realignments.

The development is being closely watched by Nigerians and political stakeholders, with implications for party dominance and Senate composition in the months ahead.

Ganduje concluded by calling on party members to remain united and focused on governance, adding that the APC will continue to prioritize national progress over partisan rivalry.

This report underscores the ever-evolving nature of Nigerian politics, where alliances shift quickly and party loyalty is often secondary to political strategy.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook