The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has suffered another major blow as three of its members in the House of Representatives defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers, Abdulkarim Ahmed (Kaduna South), Aliyu Mustapha (Ikara/Kubau), and Sadiq Ango Abdullahi (Sabon Gari), formally announced their defection during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Their letters of defection were read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen in the presence of Governor Uba Sani, who was at the National Assembly to witness the development.
The defection marks a significant shift in the political equation of Kaduna, leaving the PDP with only three seats out of the state’s total representation in the House.
Before now, the APC had four members from Kaduna, but the latest defection has increased its strength to 13, strengthening the ruling party’s dominance both in the state and at the federal level.
Lawmakers cite division within PDP as reason for defection
The lawmakers explained that their decision to leave the PDP was driven by persistent internal wrangling and unresolved differences that have crippled the party’s structure in Kaduna.
They lamented that the disunity within the party made it difficult for them to deliver on their campaign promises to their constituents.
According to them, joining the APC was a necessary step to realign with a more stable and cohesive political platform capable of promoting development and effective representation.
They praised the leadership qualities of Governor Uba Sani, describing him as a unifying force whose administration has prioritised good governance.
They further pledged their loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, promising to support all legislative efforts aimed at delivering prosperity to Nigerians.
Minority Leader faults defection, demands enforcement of law
However, Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda, challenged the legality of the defection, insisting it contravened constitutional provisions.
He argued that Section 68(1g) of the 1999 Constitution only permits defection when there is a clear division in a political party, which he said does not apply to the PDP.
Chinda therefore urged the Speaker to declare the seats of the defected lawmakers vacant, maintaining that their reasons were politically motivated and lacked legal merit.
He cautioned that overlooking such constitutional breaches could set a dangerous precedent for future defections in the legislature.
Despite his objection, the atmosphere in the chamber was calm, with Speaker Tajudeen noting the protest but moving on to other legislative businesses, leaving the matter for further consideration by the House leadership.