It was a tense but dramatic moment in the House of Representatives on Tuesday when Speaker Abbas Tajudeen read letters announcing the defection of three lawmakers from Kaduna State to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcements came during plenary after the House allowed the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, to observe proceedings and formally welcome the defectors.
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The move, which had been speculated for weeks, was finally confirmed through the speaker’s reading of their letters, marking a significant political realignment within the Kaduna caucus in the lower chamber.
Those who defected are Hussaini Ahmed, who represents Kaduna South Federal Constituency; Aliyu Abdullahi (Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituency), and Sadiq Abdullahi ( Sabon Gari Federal Constituency).
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All three lawmakers left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling APC.
Their defection was not entirely unexpected. Political watchers in Kaduna, in recent weeks, pointed to mounting tension within the state PDP, as internal disagreements and leadership struggles deepened.
Governor Sani’s growing influence at both the state and national levels has also reportedly played a role in convincing several legislators to join the APC fold.
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Mr Ahmed, who had declared his decision to leave the PDP, said his defection followed “wide consultations” with party stakeholders and constituents who believed that aligning with the ruling party would bring greater development opportunities to the constituency.
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For Mr Abdullahi of Ikara/Kubau, the move is seen as part of a broader strategy to strengthen his political footing ahead of future elections, while Mr Sadiq of Sabon Gari, a relatively young lawmaker, has also been identified as one of those seeking to consolidate his influence through alignment with the dominant political force in the state.
The defection further weakens the PDP’s representation in the National Assembly, especially from Kaduna State, where the ruling APC continues to consolidate power.
It also highlights the continuing fluidity of party allegiance among Nigerian lawmakers, many of whom often cite “internal crises” as justification for crossing party lines.
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