Scores of candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition parties have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State.
Members of the ADC Legacy Group in Kebbi State, including the party’s House of Representatives candidate and two State House of Assembly aspirants who defected to the ruling APC further consolidated Governor Nasir Idris’s political base ahead of the 2027 elections.
The defectors, who were received by party leaders in the state, cited the development strides of Governor Nasir Idris and President Bola Tinubu as reasons for joining the ruling party.
The defection, formally received by Governor Idris at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, marks the latest in a series of political realignments in the state, where the APC has steadily absorbed opposition structures over the past year.
Governor Idris, speaking while receiving the defectors, attributed his emergence as governor to “divine providence” and assured the new members of equal treatment and opportunities to contribute to party affairs.
He cited his administration’s interventions in agriculture, education and healthcare—including fertilizer distribution to farmers, student scholarship payments, and the construction and renovation of schools and health facilities—as key factors motivating the cross-carpet movement.
“My governorship position is a destiny from Almighty Allah, not merely the product of individual willingness,” Idris said.
“I am deeply grateful to Almighty Allah, who created us and gave us the opportunity to reach this level of responsibility.”
The state APC chairman, Kana Zuru, welcomed the defectors, describing their entry as a boost to the party’s political strength in Kebbi.
He urged the newcomers to remain loyal to the party constitution and principles, assuring them that their contributions would be recognized.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Bala Zuru, leader of the ADC Legacy Group, said the group had closely monitored the administration’s policies before deciding to join the
APC.
“You have developed Kebbi State to greater heights,” he told the governor.
“We have fully identified with your policies and programmes, and we have decided to join you in advancing the development of our state.”
Also present at the ceremony were Kabir Sani-Giant, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Political Affairs and Power, and Tanko Sununu, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and current APC House of Representatives candidate, both of whom welcomed the defectors and assured them of support within the party.
The defection underscores the APC’s continued dominance in Kebbi State, where Governor Idris has secured a second-term nomination and is positioning himself for re-election in 2027.
Earlier this year, a former PDP governorship aspirant, Lawali Dakingari, led more than 2,200 supporters from the PDP to the APC, citing similar reasons of alignment with the governor’s leadership style and development agenda.
Political analysts note that the influx of opposition members into the APC reflects a broader trend across northern Nigeria, where governors on the ruling party’s platform have consolidated power ahead of the next general election cycle.
In Kebbi, the move also comes as the state prepares for potential challenges from a Rainbow Coalition effort backed by former APC chieftains, including Senator Adamu Aliero, who is working to unseat Governor Idris.
The ADC, meanwhile, has disowned the defectors, insisting that the former State House of Assembly candidates no longer represent the party.
