The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has strengthened its ranks in Sokoto State after three members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Executive Committee, seven Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen and several youth and women leaders defected to the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defectors were formally received into the APC by the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Political Matters, Alhaji Faruku Labbo, during a meeting at his office in Sokoto, according to a statement issued by the Director-General of Media and Publicity to the governor.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Shehu Abdullahi Mai Rago said they decided to leave the PDP because of what he described as the leadership style of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
He said despite belonging to the opposition, the governor had never intimidated or victimised any of them, describing that approach as one of the major reasons for their decision to join the APC.
Shehu described Governor Aliyu as “a humble, respectful, purposeful and down-to-earth leader whose desire is to make Sokoto State a better place for all.”
He also praised the developmental projects being carried out by the Ahmed Aliyu administration across the state, saying the projects cover different sectors and have positively impacted residents.
The former PDP members pledged to work for the growth of the APC and expressed confidence that more opposition members, including the remaining PDP local government chairmen, would also join the ruling party.
Receiving the defectors, the Special Adviser on Political Matters, Alhaji Faruku Labbo, commended them for joining the APC and urged them to mobilise support for the party in the forthcoming general elections. He assured them that they would be fully integrated into the party’s activities in the state.
Among those who joined the APC are Ahmed A. Umar, Aliyu Mai Shinkafa, Mohammed Yusuf, Altine Gudu, Manir Tureta, Bello Garba Iya, Abubakar Ango Bodinga, Mu’awiyya Noma, Muntari Dan Dare, Almustafa S. Tudu, Garba Iya, Balkisu Yusuf, Naja’atu Buhari, Bilkisu Sidi and Sadiya Umar.
In a related development, members of the Amalgamated Association of ADC Traders, Youths and Students Stakeholders, executives of the ADC in Tudun Wada Ward and other prominent figures of the party also dumped the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the APC.
The ADC defectors, including Alhaji Shehu Jalka of Tudun Wada B and Alhaji Badamasi of Magajin Rafi B, said they joined the APC because of the ongoing development projects and transformation being witnessed across Sokoto State under the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
The latest wave of defections comes as political parties continue to realign and strengthen their structures ahead of the 2027 general elections, with both the APC and opposition parties intensifying efforts to attract influential political figures and grassroots supporters across the country.
