Three senators representing Kebbi State in the National Assembly have formally announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The senators – Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) – made their defection official during Tuesday's plenary session at the Senate.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, read separate letters from the three lawmakers explaining their decision to switch political allegiance.
In his defection letter, Senator Adamu Aliero, a former governor of Kebbi State, stated that his decision came after "deep reflection, extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the current political and socio-economic realities" affecting both the country and his constituency.
"I have decided to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party and rejoin the All Progressive Party (APC) of which I was a founding member," Aliero wrote.
The senator emphasized that his decision was not taken lightly, noting that politics "must never be about personal loyalty to a platform; it will always be about service, solutions and results."
Reasons for Defection
According to the lawmakers, the PDP has become disconnected from the aspirations of Nigerians it seeks to lead. Senator Aliero specifically cited "internal divisions, lack of ideological clarity and inability to provide a credible forward-looking agenda" as factors that made it difficult for him to pursue development goals for his constituents while remaining in the PDP.
The former governor further explained that the APC has demonstrated signs of transformation, particularly through its "renewed hope agenda," making it a more viable platform for effective representation.
"This defection was not borne out of personal gains but because of the belief that APC offered a more viable platform through which I could effectively serve my constituents and advocate for progressive policies," Aliero stated.
The defection of these three senators represents a significant political shift in Kebbi State, where the PDP has now lost all its senatorial representation to the ruling APC.
Political analysts suggest this move could potentially strengthen the APC's position in the North-Western state ahead of future electoral contests, while creating new challenges for the opposition PDP in maintaining its relevance in the region.
