Three members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House of Representatives from Kaduna State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers — Abdulkarim Ahmed (Kaduna South), Aliyu Mustapha (Ikara/Kubau), and Sadiq Ango-Abdullahi (Sabongari) — announced their defection through separate letters read on the floor of the House by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during Tuesday’s plenary.

In their letters, the lawmakers attributed their decision to what they described as “the lingering crisis in the PDP” and the need to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Ahmed, in his letter addressed to the PDP Chairman, Makera Ward, Kaduna South Local Government Area, said his decision followed extensive consultations with his constituents, political allies, and stakeholders.

He stated:

“The constant internal conflicts and factionalism within the PDP, which have climaxed into an elongated party crisis, are undesirably impacting my ability to effectively represent my constituency and accomplish my obligations optimally.

In view of the enduring situation and after a wide consultation with my constituents, key stakeholders and my political allies, I have come to the tough but needed decision to resign my membership of the PDP.

This decision is driven by my commitment to continue serving my good people of Kaduna South Federal Constituency, beyond partisan lines, ensuring that all my constituents benefit from purposeful, inclusive, and effective representation.”

He expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunity to serve under its platform, acknowledging the “support, trust, and experiences” gained during his time with the party.

The defections further deepen the wave of political realignments in the country as more lawmakers shift allegiance to the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

More to come…

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement was made on Tuesday during a press conference in Enugu, where the governor said the decision followed “deep reflection” and was guided by his commitment to better serve the people of the state.

Mbah explained that joining the APC would allow him to align more closely with the ruling party’s vision for development and progress, noting that it presented “greater opportunities for collaboration and growth.”

He expressed appreciation to the PDP for the platform that brought him to power, describing the party as an important part of his political journey.

“To the Peoples Democratic Party which provided us the platform on which we campaigned and won, I extend deep gratitude. The PDP supported us through a demanding campaign and joined us in celebrating the victory,” he said.

“Leadership demands difficult, even painful decisions, in the service of higher principles and goals. And there comes always a time where everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny. Today, after a long reflection, we have made a decision to join the All Progressives Congress.”

Mbah assured residents of Enugu that his defection would not derail his administration’s focus on service delivery and infrastructural development, stressing that it was a strategic move aimed at accelerating the state’s growth.

The defection comes a day after members of his cabinet reportedly joined the APC, setting the stage for his formal declaration.

Broom traders in Enugu State are recording brisk sales following the defection of Governor Peter Mbah from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mbah’s defection, which is expected to be formally announced on Tuesday, reportedly involved all his political appointees, who also resigned from the PDP after an extended cabinet meeting at the Government House on Monday.

A video posted by Mbah’s media aide, Dan Nwomeh, confirmed the mass defection as state officials were seen waving APC flags and chanting praises of both the governor and President Bola Tinubu. In the video, the excited appointees could be heard declaring, “We are now in APC, tomorrow is here; it is APC all the way; it is Jagaban all the way.”

According to a Leadership Newspaper correspondent who visited major markets in the state, the development has triggered a shortage of brooms — the official symbol of the APC — as demand surged ahead of the planned defection ceremony.

Traders said the rush for brooms began shortly after news of the defection broke, with many new sellers joining the trade to meet growing demand.

At the Kenyatta Market, a trader, Obinna Maduagwu, said he had been making significant profits since rumours of the defection began circulating. “Honestly, since the rumor started, we have been experiencing a boom in our business. I have been doing supply, and I have been making serious money,” he said.

Another trader, Mrs. Ifeoma Obigeri, confirmed that her entire stock sold out early Tuesday morning after PDP members reportedly bought up her remaining brooms.

Similarly, at Udi Market, Miss Ifeoma Ngene said members of the APC women’s wing cleared her entire stock on Friday, urging her to restock for future events.

At Artisan Market, Mrs. Grace Okeke said she had completely sold out as well. “How I wish this kind of political event would be happening in Enugu daily. As I speak with you, I don’t have a single broom because the APC people came to clear all the brooms for their event tomorrow,” she said.

The mass demand has created what traders are describing as a “broom boom” across Enugu State, coinciding with Mbah’s anticipated formal defection and rallying of supporters to the APC.