In a significant political realignment in Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has officially welcomed former Senator Shehu Sani, ex-Governor Muktar Ramalan-Yero, and several other prominent politicians into the fold of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection event, which saw 50 political stalwarts switch allegiance to the ruling party, took place at a grand rally held at Murtala Square on Saturday.
Governor Sani assured the new entrants that they would enjoy equal rights and privileges as long-standing members of the APC. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd of party supporters, the governor emphasized that there would be no distinction between founding members and those who recently joined the party.
“Someone who joined APC today and one who has been a foundation member for ten years are of the same status. They will enjoy the same rights and privileges,” Governor Sani declared, reinforcing the party’s inclusive stance.
APC’s Doors Remain Open for More Defectors
Urging the decampees to mobilize their supporters, the governor reiterated that the APC remains open to accepting more members. He attributed the party’s growing popularity to its governance approach, both at the state and federal levels.
“The acceptability of APC is based on its just leadership. We have come to stay, not only in Kaduna State but in the entire North and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
APC’s 2027 Election Strategy
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Governor Sani projected a sweeping victory for the APC, expressing confidence in the electorate’s continued support for the party across all levels of government.
“In the 2027 election, the people will vote for APC in all elections, from top to bottom. Our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will be re-elected. At the state level, we will secure victories in the gubernatorial race, as well as the National and State Assemblies elections, by the Grace of God,” he stated.
Governance Beyond Party Lines
Governor Sani reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, pledging to execute developmental projects across the state regardless of party affiliations or ethno-religious backgrounds.
“Politics is different from governance. We will be fair to all, whether or not they voted for us, because that is the oath of office we swore to uphold as leaders,” he emphasized.
Acknowledging that leaders are fallible, the governor urged citizens to provide constructive criticism, emphasizing the importance of accountability in leadership. He reminded APC members that political leaders would ultimately be held accountable for their actions, both by the electorate and in the hereafter.
Key Political Figures Among the Defectors
The defection to APC was marked by the presence of several high-profile politicians, further strengthening the party’s influence in the region. Among those who joined the ruling party were:
- Former Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Muktar Ramalan-Yero
- Former Senator Shehu Sani
- Former Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi
- Alhaji Sani Sha’aban, NNPP’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate
- Senator Danjuma Laah, former representative of Zone Three at the Senate under the PDP
- Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, former National Organizing Secretary of the PDP
- Ambassador Sule Buba, former Nigerian Envoy to South Korea
The mass defection of these influential figures signals a shifting political landscape in Kaduna State, positioning APC as the dominant party ahead of future elections. With Governor Uba Sani at the helm, the party is setting the stage for an aggressive campaign to consolidate its hold on power at both the state and national levels.
