By John Bassey, Kebbi
The Action Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have suffered a major political blow in Kebbi State following the defection of more than 10,000 supporters to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Ahmed Idris, Governor Nasir Idris received the defectors on Tuesday at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, where he assured them of equal treatment and full integration into the ruling party.
Governor Idris described the APC as a party for the masses and commended the new members for what he called a wise decision to join the party.
Highlighting the achievements of his administration over the past three years, the governor said more than 5,000 unemployed youths had been recruited into the education, healthcare and civil service sectors.
He also listed the construction and renovation of general hospitals, primary healthcare centres, primary and secondary schools across the state’s 21 local government areas as key accomplishments of his administration.
“Our administration has remained consistent in the payment of scholarships to Kebbi State students studying in tertiary institutions within and outside Nigeria,” Governor Idris said.
He commended the APC leadership in the state for maintaining unity and urged party leaders to warmly receive the new members and ensure their active participation in party affairs.
Earlier, the Acting State Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Adamu Mudi Augie, welcomed the defectors and congratulated them for joining what he described as the party of the masses.
“You are all welcome to the APC. Together, we will continue to work for the growth and success of our great party in Kebbi State,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of supporters of Senator Garba Musa Maidoki of the ADC, Hon. Bello Doya said they joined the APC to support Governor Idris’ development agenda.
He described the governor’s leadership as transparent, purposeful and exemplary, pledging their loyalty and commitment to the administration and to securing victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections.
In a related development, the Chairman of the PDP Local Government Chairmen’s Association in Kebbi State also defected to the APC.
While receiving the PDP stakeholders, Governor Idris reaffirmed his commitment to unity, fairness and justice for all party members, including the new entrants.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating key federal projects in Kebbi State.
Responding on behalf of the defectors, the PDP Chairman of Bunza Local Government Area, Alhaji Bello Manti, said they were motivated to join the APC by the governor’s impressive performance and people-centred leadership.
“We decided to join the APC because of your outstanding performance and your commitment to improving the lives of the people of Kebbi State.
“Your inclusive leadership and generosity convinced us that this is the right platform to serve our people,” Manti said.
Among the prominent defectors were the PDP chairmen of Dandi, Koko/Besse, Arewa, Zuru, Ngaski, Yauri, Shanga, Danko-Wasagu, Sakaba and Aliero local government areas.