Politics

Mass Defection Hits Katsina as APC, PDP, NNPP Members Join ADC

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 14th, 2025.

Mass Defection Hits Katsina as APC, PDP, NNPP Members Join ADC

In a significant political shake-up in Katsina State, hundreds of members from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The mass defection, which spans all 34 Local Government Areas, took place during the launch of the ADC’s Katsina State chapter, led by Mustapha Inuwa.

The new members, including both men and women, received ADC membership cards at a ceremony held at the Continental Event Center in Katsina. The event marked a turning point for the party as it expands its grassroots influence in the region.

Lawal Batagarawa, the ADC’s national representative from the National Political Coalition Group, addressed the gathering and voiced strong concerns over the worsening economic situation, escalating insecurity, and the steep depreciation of the naira under the current federal administration. He pointed to the collapse of industries since President Bola Tinubu took office in 2023 as evidence of failed leadership.

Batagarawa emphasized the importance of collective action, calling for unity among party members and the general public to confront Nigeria’s challenges head-on—particularly insecurity, poverty, and the crumbling education system. He expressed optimism about the ADC’s potential to bring real change.

Also speaking at the event, Usman Musa Wamba, Chairman of ADC in Katsina State, predicted a strong performance for the party in the 2027 general elections. He appealed to young people to support the ADC, assuring them of better democratic dividends.

One notable defector, Aliyu Saulawa—a former APC media director and ex-national coordinator of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Movement—delivered a scathing critique of the APC. He accused the ruling party of failing to deliver on its campaign promises, especially in the North.

“Security is the backbone of any functioning society. In the Northwest, we are mainly farmers and traders. Without security, our livelihoods, our schools—everything—falls apart. I cannot in good conscience remain in the APC,” Saulawa declared.

Meanwhile, the PDP in Katsina, led by its 2023 governorship candidate Yakubu Lado, held a high-level caucus meeting at the party’s state headquarters, titled “Let’s Make Katsina State Work Again.” The meeting was aimed at dispelling speculation about the PDP’s decline in the state.

Lado addressed concerns regarding the party’s performance in the last election, blaming internal discord and poor leadership for its defeat. However, he affirmed that the PDP remains a formidable force in Katsina politics.

“Our structure is intact, and we are ready to reclaim our strength. The outcome of 2023 was a result of mismanagement by some individuals, not a reflection of PDP’s

legacy,” Lado said.