By Ismaeel Aleem
The Kaduna State caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria’s House of Representatives suffered a significant setback on Tuesday when three members defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The move, announced during plenary, further erodes the opposition’s foothold in the state, where the APC has been steadily consolidating power.
The defectors Abdulkarim Ahmed (Kaduna South Federal Constituency), Aliyu Mustapha (Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituency), and Sadiq Ango-Abdullahi (Sabon Gari Federal Constituency) submitted separate resignation letters from the PDP, which were read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu also participated in the proceedings, with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani present to witness the event.
In his letter to the PDP Chairman of Makera Ward in Kaduna South Local Government Area, Ahmed cited “constant internal conflicts and factionalism within the PDP” as the primary catalyst for his departure.
He explained that the prolonged crisis had impaired his ability to represent his constituents effectively, prompting extensive consultations with stakeholders and allies.
“This decision is driven by my commitment to continue serving the good people of Kaduna South Federal Constituency, beyond partisan lines, ensuring that all my constituents benefit from purposeful, inclusive, and effective representation,” Ahmed wrote, expressing gratitude to the PDP for past opportunities.
The other two lawmakers echoed similar sentiments, pointing to irreconcilable divisions within the PDP that hindered fulfilment of campaign promises.
They also expressed a desire to align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Sani’s developmental initiatives, which they believe offer a more stable platform for legislative service.
This defection reduces the PDP’s representation from Kaduna in the House to just three members, down from around 10 at the chamber’s inauguration, while boosting the APC’s tally to 13 from an initial four.
It follows a wave of high-profile switches to the APC in recent months, including the return of Senator Shehu Sani and Hon. Amos Magaji, amid mounting tensions in the state PDP exacerbated by leadership struggles and Governor Sani’s influence.
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda challenged the defections, invoking Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution, which permits switching parties only in cases of national division, not mere internal disagreements.
He argued that the PDP’s issues did not meet this threshold, potentially rendering the moves legally contestable.
The APC, meanwhile, hails the influx as a vote of confidence in its governance model, though critics warn of diminishing democratic pluralism in the North-West region.
