By Bolaji Ogundele (Abuja) & Sunny Nwankwo (Dutse) | May 10, 2025
In what appears to be an escalating crisis for Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a fresh wave of high-profile defections has struck its ranks. Three senators from Kebbi State, a key PDP bloc in the North-West, have concluded plans to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), setting the stage for a dramatic political realignment in the Red Chamber.
The defectors — Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) — are scheduled to announce their official defection during Tuesday’s plenary session at the National Assembly.
President Tinubu Hosts Kebbi Senators and APC Leaders
The senators met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, where they were accompanied by APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, Sokoto Governor Ahmad Aliyu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu, and Senator Aliyu Wamakko. The visit was part of a formal declaration process and signaled full presidential endorsement of their decision to cross party lines.
Dr. Ganduje, while speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, stated that the APC had robust mechanisms in place to integrate defectors seamlessly into the party’s fold.
“Our constitution is clear, and our political experience ensures smooth absorption. This is not just about numbers — it’s about capacity, competence, and national alignment,” Ganduje noted.
Jigawa Minority Leader, Hundreds of Supporters Also Dump PDP
The wave of defections is not limited to the federal level. In Jigawa State, the Minority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Yahaya Zakari, officially decamped to the APC with hundreds of supporters. They were received by Governor Umar Namadi at the Government House in Dutse.
Zakari cited the governor’s inclusive leadership and fair distribution of developmental projects as his motivation for joining the ruling party. The Speaker of the Assembly, Haruna Aliyu, affirmed the unity within the House and praised the APC’s growing influence in the region.
Additional defections were reported in Gwaram and Guri Local Government Areas, bolstering the party’s grassroots momentum in Jigawa.
Delta, Edo, and Abia See Key PDP Figures Exit
The domino effect continued in the South-South, where six PDP members in the Delta State House of Representatives and the entire State House of Assembly shifted allegiance to the APC. This followed the earlier defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy Monday Onyeme, and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
In Edo State, House of Assembly Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, two lawmakers, 18 local government chairmen, and 192 councillors also joined the APC. The defectors were welcomed by Senator Ajibola Basiru, standing in for Ganduje, alongside Governor Monday Okpebholo, Deputy Governor Denis Idahosa, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Former Ikpeazu Spokesman Resigns from PDP
The exodus also touched Abia State, where Onyebuchi Ememanka, former spokesman to ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, resigned from the PDP. Ememanka had previously praised Governor Alex Otti’s infrastructural strides and hinted at aligning with APC’s Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who is widely expected to contest for governor in 2027.
In a heartfelt post titled “Goodbye, PDP!,” Ememanka described his departure as a painful yet necessary decision influenced by years of marginalization within the party.
Ganduje Denies One-Party State Agenda
Responding to concerns that the rising wave of defections could usher in a one-party state, Ganduje dismissed the notion as unfounded.
“We are not pursuing a one-party system. People are coming to us because of the APC’s visible achievements and national appeal. If Nigerians choose us willingly, then we cannot reject them,” he said.
He also argued that the high number of political parties in Nigeria often impedes effective governance, stating, “Too many political parties spoil governance — just like too many cooks spoil the soup.”
Conclusion: PDP’s Growing Dilemma
The mass defection trend represents a serious blow to the PDP’s influence, especially in the North-West and South-South. As more high-ranking members jump ship, political observers warn that the opposition must urgently address internal fractures and re-strategize ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Meta Title:
PDP Hit by Fresh Defections: Three Kebbi Senators, State Lawmakers Join APC
Meta Description:
Three PDP Senators from Kebbi and key state lawmakers across Jigawa, Delta, Edo, and Abia dump the opposition party for APC in a wave of high-profile defections ahead of 2027 elections.
SEO Keywords:
PDP defections 2025, Kebbi senators join APC, APC vs PDP politics Nigeria, Bola Tinubu defectors, Ganduje APC integration, Nigerian political realignment 2025, Jigawa lawmakers defect, Ememanka PDP resignation
Would you like me to create a shorter version for social media or a press release as well?
