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By Lizzy Chirkpi
In a significant political development, all three senators representing Kebbi State, previously members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), have officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) citing crisis as reason.
This move comes amidst a broader trend of lawmakers from the opposition parties, particularly the Labour Party (LP) and PDP, joining the ranks of the APC in the National Assembly.
The formal announcement of the defection took place on Tuesday at the Senate chambers, witnessed by APC National Chairman, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, and members of the party’s National Executive Committee. The defecting senators include prominent figures: former Governor Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South).
Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, read the senators’ official letters of defection, which cited the “crisis” plaguing the PDP as the primary reason for their departure. The lawmakers further expressed their conviction in President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” asserting its efficacy despite the prevailing security challenges in certain regions of the country.
This mass defection from Kebbi State underscores the shifting political landscape within the National Assembly. It reflects a growing trend of opposition lawmakers aligning with the ruling APC, raising questions about the future dynamics of Nigerian politics and the strength of the opposition.
The movement highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the PDP in maintaining its political cohesion, particularly in light of recent electoral outcomes and internal disputes. The senators’ endorsement of President Tinubu’s agenda also signals a potential realignment of political forces, as the APC seeks to consolidate its majority in the legislative body.
This development will undoubtedly spark further debate and analysis regarding the implications for governance, policy-making, and the overall political climate in Nigeria.