At least 15 prominent PDP leaders in Zamfara have defected to the APC. Defence Minister Bello Matawalle and state APC chairman Tukur Danfulani welcomed the defectors, describing the move as bold, timely, and proof of the party’s growing popularity
15 Zamfara PDP Leaders Defect to APC, Matawalle Hails Move as ‘Bold and Timely’
The political landscape in Zamfara State witnessed another major shake-up as no fewer than 15 top leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in what party stakeholders described as a “bold and strategic move.”
The defectors were formally presented to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, in Abuja by Zamfara APC Chairman, Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani, Senator Tijjani Yahaya, and Hon. Lawal M. Liman.
Welcoming the new members, Dr. Matawalle praised their decision to join the ruling party, assuring them of equal opportunities and fair treatment within the APC.
He described the defection as “bold and timely,” reflecting the rising popularity and acceptance of the APC across Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole.
“APC will continue to be more united and strong with the current strategy mapped out and the welfare packages being delivered to the people of the state,” Matawalle stated.
The minister also commended the state APC leadership for its consistent consultation and grassroots mobilisation, which, according to him, has made the party “more acceptable and dominant in every part of Zamfara.”
In a statement signed by the Zamfara APC Publicity Secretary, Malan Yusuf Idris, the defectors included several influential PDP figures such as; Isiyaka M. Dabo, PDP Youth Leader, Nasiru Mohammed Anka, Zonal Treasurer, Zamfara West, Junaidu Magaji Kiyawa, Organising Secretary, Zamfara North, Hon. Musa Halilu Faru, Assistant Organising Secretary, Zamfara West, Alhaji Lawali Aliyu Shinkafi, PDP Zonal Secretary, Zamfara North, Hajiya Rabi Bakura, Ex-Officio Member, and Hajiya Amina Duniya, State Ex-Officio Member.
Others include Bashar Mohammed Dogon Kade, a former PDP aspirant for the Kaura Namoda South Constituency, and Rilwanu Bello, an ex-councillorship aspirant.
Speaking on behalf of the new entrants, Isiyaka M. Dabo said his decision to dump the PDP stemmed from what he described as the party’s bias toward the wealthy and powerful.
“I left the PDP because it favours only the rich. I was inspired by the leadership qualities of Senator Yari and Dr. Matawalle to join the winning party,” Dabo said.
On her part, Hajiya Amina Duniya, who revealed she had spent 25 years in the PDP, urged APC leaders to ensure fairness and justice in managing party affairs. She pledged to mobilise more supporters to strengthen the party’s base in Zamfara.
“After 25 years in the PDP, I decided to move to a party where everyone’s voice can be heard. I will work to bring more people into the APC,” Duniya assured.
The Zamfara APC Chairman, Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani, congratulated the defectors and assured them of full integration into the party’s structure.
“The APC remains open, fair, and accommodating to all those committed to its progress,” Danfulani said.
He emphasised that with continued unity and the ongoing welfare-driven policies of the APC-led government, Zamfara will remain a stronghold of the ruling party.
The mass defection marks yet another victory for the APC in Zamfara, as political momentum continues to tilt in its favour ahead of future elections — a development Minister Matawalle described as “a sign that the people are embracing the politics of progress and performance.” Read More
