Sokoto: PDP Women Leaders, other members Defect to APC

The Zonal Women Leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto Central, Hajiya Ummu Gada, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading several key members of the PDP from the zone into the ruling party. Among the defectors were the women leaders of Kware and Sokoto South local government areas, Hajiya Shafa […]

The Zonal Women Leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto Central, Hajiya Ummu Gada, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading several key members of the PDP from the zone into the ruling party.

Among the defectors were the women leaders of Kware and Sokoto South local government areas, Hajiya Shafa Yusuf Kware and Zainab Ibrahim as well as the Youth leader of Kware, Alhaji Buhari Abubakar respectively.

Announcing their defection at the APC secretariat on Thursday’s night, Gada accused the PDP of sidelining its members and operating without internal democracy.

“I left because the PDP has no regard for its members. The party is being run like a cult,” she said.

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She also attributed her move to the visible infrastructural development in Sokoto State under Governor Ahmed Aliyu, whom she referred to as her younger brother.

According to her, the governor has significantly transformed the state.

“Sokoto is beginning to look like Dubai with the level of infrastructure being put in place. The Governor is delivering on his campaign promises. He has increased salaries and ensures workers are paid promptly,” she stated.

Gada expressed confidence that more defections would follow from the PDP across the state’s 23 local government areas.

“This is where I truly belong. Destiny may have taken me to the PDP, but I have returned to my political home, the APC,” she said.

She also made a passionate appeal to former Governor and APC leader in the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, seeking forgiveness for her time away from the party.

“I want to beg my father and our leader, Senator Wamakko, to forgive me. Whatever I have become today is as a result of his mentorship. Please find heart to forgive your daughter,” she pleaded.

Receiving the defectors, APC State Chairman, Alhaji Isa Sadiq Achida, welcomed them warmly and assured them of equal opportunities and full integration within the party.

The defection is seen as a significant boost for the APC in Sokoto, further consolidating its political base in the state.

PDP Chairman Reacts to Defections, Says Party Unshaken

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State, Hon. Bello Goronyo, has downplayed the impact of recent defections, stating that the departures pose no threat to its structure or stability.

Reacting to the news, Hon. Goronyo said the defectors did not officially communicate their decision to the party, with the information only coming to light through social media.

However, he emphasized that the PDP remains unfazed.

“We cannot accuse them of anything. In politics, individuals have the right to either remain in or leave a party,” he said.

“There is no cause for alarm. In fact, as of Tuesday night, some of our members had already begun lobbying to fill the now-vacant zonal leadership position. The former occupant was elected democratically and without any internal crisis,” he noted.