Three members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with their supporters.
The lawmakers, Henry Mara (Jaba Constituency), Emmanuel Kantiok (Zonkwa Constituency), and Samuel Kambai (Zango Constituency), announced their defection on Thursday at their respective wards.
Speaking in separate telephone interviews, they explained that their decision was driven by a desire to align with the ruling party at the state level, citing Governor Uba Sani’s leadership and performance as key reasons for their move.
Their defection comes just two days after Amos Magaji, the lawmaker representing Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, also joined the APC.
The lawmakers emphasized that the political future of their constituents was paramount, expressing confidence that they could better serve their people within the ruling party.
Henry Mara noted that the PDP’s stronghold in Southern Kaduna had “rapidly crumbled.”
Mara stated that a major realignment in the power structure of the State House of Assembly is underway, as more opposition members are expected to defect from the PDP to the APC.
Kambai noted that Governor Uba Sani’s achievements have diminished hostility towards the ruling party, effectively weakening the opposition in the state.
“Governor Uba Sani’s remarkable accomplishments within two years have contributed to the decline of opposition parties,” he said.
He further emphasized that Southern Kaduna, traditionally a PDP stronghold since 1999, has seen a significant political shift due to the governor’s credible leadership.
Kantiok highlighted that while the state previously faced escalating insecurity over the past eight years, relative peace has now been restored. He pledged to build on Governor Sani’s progress and further strengthen his administration’s achievements.
