In a significant political shake-up, 21 prominent politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State. This mass defection, led by former Senator Danjuma Laah, is expected to significantly weaken opposition parties in Southern Kaduna, a region traditionally considered an opposition stronghold.  

The Defectors and Their Impact  

The defection, which took place on February 14, 2025, includes high-profile figures such as Hon. Godfrey Ali Gaiya, a former member of the House of Representatives, and Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, the current representative of Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency. Other notable defectors include Hon. Donatus K. Mathew, Hon. Henry Marah Zakarieh, Hon. Samuel Kambai Koza, Barrister Emmanuel Kantiok, and Eng. Michael Auta, who was the Labour Party’s senatorial candidate for Zone 

From the NNPP, key figures such as Kenneth Suwa, Ben Kure, and former state chairman Nuhu Audu have also joined the APC. This mass movement of politicians is seen as a strategic blow to the opposition, particularly in Southern Kaduna, where the PDP has historically dominated.  

The defectors cited Governor Uba Sani’s leadership and infrastructural development in the state as key reasons for their decision. Hon. Henry Marah, one of the defectors, stated that the PDP’s dominance in Southern Kaduna has “rapidly crumbled” due to the APC’s performance under Governor Sani.  

Political Implications  

The defection of these 21 politicians is expected to have far-reaching implications for the political landscape in Kaduna State. Southern Kaduna, traditionally a stronghold of the PDP, has seen a gradual erosion of its opposition base. The defectors argue that aligning with the APC will enable them to better serve their constituents and contribute to the state’s development.  

However, this move has raised concerns about the future of opposition politics in Nigeria. Critics argue that the defections are motivated by self-interest rather than ideological alignment. The PDP, LP, and NNPP have all condemned the defections, with the LP announcing the creation of a “Hall of Shame” register for defectors who abandon their parties without relinquishing their mandates.  

The Broader Context of Political Defections in Nigeria  

Political defections have become a recurring theme in Nigeria’s political landscape. In 2023 alone, several high-profile politicians, including former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, defected from the PDP to the APC. Similarly, lawmakers from the LP and NNPP have also switched allegiance to the ruling party.  

This trend has sparked debates about the stability and integrity of Nigeria’s democracy. Opposition parties have called for legislation to curb defections, arguing that they undermine democratic principles and weaken the opposition. The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, lamented that many defectors lack principles and are motivated by economic survival rather than the interests of their constituents.  

On the other hand, the APC has defended the right of politicians to switch parties, citing constitutional provisions that allow for freedom of association. The party’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, argued that defections are a natural part of politics and reflect the dynamic nature of Nigeria’s political environment.  

Reactions from Stakeholders  

The defection of the 21 politicians has elicited mixed reactions from stakeholders. While the APC has welcomed the defectors, describing them as valuable additions to the party, opposition parties have expressed concern about the erosion of their support base. The LP, in particular, has vowed to petition the Speaker of the House of Representatives to declare the seats of defecting lawmakers vacant, citing Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution.  

Civil society organizations have also weighed in on the issue. Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, attributed the defections to a lack of transparency and accountability in governance. He called for political party reforms to ensure that parties are not used as platforms for personal gain but as vehicles for promoting internal democracy and active participation.  

The Way Forward  

The mass defection of 21 politicians to the APC highlights the need for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s political system. While defections are a legitimate part of democratic politics, they should not undermine the stability and integrity of the system. Opposition parties must work together to present a united front and hold the ruling party accountable.  

At the same time, the APC must ensure that its policies and programs address the needs of all Nigerians, not just its members. The party’s success in attracting defectors should not be seen as an endorsement of its performance but as a reflection of the challenges facing opposition parties.  

BREAKING! PDP, LP, NNPP Weakened as 21 Top Politicians Defect to APC in Kaduna

In a significant political shake-up, 21 prominent politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State. This mass defection, led by former Senator Danjuma Laah, is expected to significantly weaken opposition parties in Southern Kaduna, a region traditionally considered an opposition stronghold.  

The Defectors and Their Impact  

The defection, which took place on February 14, 2025, includes high-profile figures such as Hon. Godfrey Ali Gaiya, a former member of the House of Representatives, and Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, the current representative of Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency. Other notable defectors include Hon. Donatus K. Mathew, Hon. Henry Marah Zakarieh, Hon. Samuel Kambai Koza, Barrister Emmanuel Kantiok, and Eng. Michael Auta, who was the Labour Party’s senatorial candidate for Zone 3.  

From the NNPP, key figures such as Kenneth Suwa, Ben Kure, and former state chairman Nuhu Audu have also joined the APC. This mass movement of politicians is seen as a strategic blow to the opposition, particularly in Southern Kaduna, where the PDP has historically dominated.  

The defectors cited Governor Uba Sani’s leadership and infrastructural development in the state as key reasons for their decision. Hon. Henry Marah, one of the defectors, stated that the PDP’s dominance in Southern Kaduna has “rapidly crumbled” due to the APC’s performance under Governor Sani.  

### Political Implications  

The defection of these 21 politicians is expected to have far-reaching implications for the political landscape in Kaduna State. Southern Kaduna, traditionally a stronghold of the PDP, has seen a gradual erosion of its opposition base. The defectors argue that aligning with the APC will enable them to better serve their constituents and contribute to the state’s development.  

However, this move has raised concerns about the future of opposition politics in Nigeria. Critics argue that the defections are motivated by self-interest rather than ideological alignment. The PDP, LP, and NNPP have all condemned the defections, with the LP announcing the creation of a “Hall of Shame” register for defectors who abandon their parties without relinquishing their mandates.  

### The Broader Context of Political Defections in Nigeria  

Political defections have become a recurring theme in Nigeria’s political landscape. In 2023 alone, several high-profile politicians, including former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, defected from the PDP to the APC. Similarly, lawmakers from the LP and NNPP have also switched allegiance to the ruling party.  

This trend has sparked debates about the stability and integrity of Nigeria’s democracy. Opposition parties have called for legislation to curb defections, arguing that they undermine democratic principles and weaken the opposition. The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, lamented that many defectors lack principles and are motivated by economic survival rather than the interests of their constituents.  

On the other hand, the APC has defended the right of politicians to switch parties, citing constitutional provisions that allow for freedom of association. The party’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, argued that defections are a natural part of politics and reflect the dynamic nature of Nigeria’s political environment.  

### Reactions from Stakeholders  

The defection of the 21 politicians has elicited mixed reactions from stakeholders. While the APC has welcomed the defectors, describing them as valuable additions to the party, opposition parties have expressed concern about the erosion of their support base. The LP, in particular, has vowed to petition the Speaker of the House of Representatives to declare the seats of defecting lawmakers vacant, citing Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution.  

Civil society organizations have also weighed in on the issue. Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, attributed the defections to a lack of transparency and accountability in governance. He called for political party reforms to ensure that parties are not used as platforms for personal gain but as vehicles for promoting internal democracy and active participation.  

### The Way Forward  

The mass defection of 21 politicians to the APC highlights the need for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s political system. While defections are a legitimate part of democratic politics, they should not undermine the stability and integrity of the system. Opposition parties must work together to present a united front and hold the ruling party accountable.  

At the same time, the APC must ensure that its policies and programs address the needs of all Nigerians, not just its members. The party’s success in attracting defectors should not be seen as an endorsement of its performance but as a reflection of the challenges facing opposition parties.  

Conclusion  

The defection of 21 prominent politicians from the PDP, LP, and NNPP to the APC in Kaduna State is a significant development in Nigeria’s political landscape. While it strengthens the APC’s position in Southern Kaduna, it raises important questions about the future of opposition politics in the country. As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, it is imperative that all stakeholders work together to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure that the interests of the people remain at the forefront of political decision-making.  

The defections serve as a reminder of the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Nigeria’s politics. Whether this trend will lead to a one-party state or galvanize the opposition remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the stability and integrity of Nigeria’s democracy depend on the ability of all parties to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.

The defection of 21 prominent politicians from the PDP, LP, and NNPP to the APC in Kaduna State is a significant development in Nigeria’s political landscape. While it strengthens the APC’s position in Southern Kaduna, it raises important questions about the future of opposition politics in the country. As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, it is imperative that all stakeholders work together to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure that the interests of the people remain at the forefront of political decision-making.  

The defections serve as a reminder of the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Nigeria’s politics. Whether this trend will lead to a one-party state or galvanize the opposition remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the stability and integrity of Nigeria’s democracy depend on the ability of all parties to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.

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