More than 2,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defectors were formally received on Tuesday by the State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru, in Birnin Kebbi.
Speaking on behalf of the group, former PDP House of Assembly candidate, Alhaji Arzika Lawal, said the mass defection was inspired by Governor Nasir Idris’ significant achievements in improving security in the area.
“We are more than 2,000 PDP members leaving the party to join the APC in recognition of the governor’s tireless efforts in bringing back a safe environment to Danko-Wasagu,” he said.
Lawal commended the governor for facilitating the release of students abducted from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, describing the intervention as swift and compassionate.
He, however, urged the APC leadership to call some of the governor’s aides to order, alleging that they were not reflecting Idris’ compassionate leadership style.
“Some of the governor’s aides are not following in his footsteps. They are not helping their people, and the party must bring them to order,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs. Binta Bena, a political singer, praised the governor’s performance, noting that security in the area had improved significantly under his administration.
“The three years of Governor Idris have been more beneficial to the people of Kebbi than the eight years of the previous administration,” she said.
Bena added that residents who once lived in fear were now enjoying 24-hour security surveillance following the permanent deployment of troops in strategic locations.
Receiving the defectors, Kana-Zuru assured them of equal treatment within the party.
“The party has received you wholeheartedly. From today, you are like all other members of the APC. I have instructed party executives at the ward and local government levels to engage and consult with you in all party affairs,” he said.
Kana-Zuru also highlighted Governor Idris’ commitment to infrastructural development, particularly the ongoing construction of the Koko–Dabai Federal Road.
