Vice President Kashim Shettima on Sunday welcomed a group of prominent opposition politicians into the All Progressives Congress (APC), portraying the defections as evidence of growing support for Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda and a boost for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The reception took place at the People’s Square at the Katsina Government House during Shettima’s one-day official visit to the state.
Addressing party supporters, the vice president linked the influx of new members to Radda’s performance in office and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for the governor.
“Katsina is for Dikko Radda, it is not for anyone,” Shettima said, adding that the governor’s development record had earned him the trust of the state’s residents.
“We are proud of you, Governor Radda,” he said, urging APC members to remain united and advance the party’s objectives.
Radda said the defections demonstrated rising confidence in the APC across Katsina.
The new members include Mustapha Inuwa, a former secretary to the Katsina State Government and former APC governorship aspirant; former members of the House of Representatives Aminu Chindo and Abdul-Aziz Dandume; former local government chairman Bala Baure; former ADC legal adviser Auwalu; and Sallau Karawa.
The group also includes opposition leaders, serving lawmakers and political stakeholders from the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress and Action Alliance.
Radda said the arrivals would strengthen the APC’s grassroots organization and improve its prospects in future elections.
He reiterated the party’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027 and pledged to pursue victories for APC candidates across the state.
The Governor also cited federal projects and interventions in Katsina, saying cooperation between Tinubu’s administration and the state government was helping accelerate infrastructure development, economic activity and social-welfare programs.
Bashir Saulawa, Chairman of the Katsina APC, attributed the defections to the achievements of Radda’s administration.
He assured the new members that they would receive equal opportunities and be fully integrated into the party.
Speaking for the defectors, Inuwa described his return to the APC as a homecoming and called for unity within the party.
“We do not have time for anything that will undermine our collective interest,” Inuwa said.
“Our concern should be how to win elections and ensure the success of the APC”, he added.
He pledged his support for Radda and urged party members to close ranks as the APC seeks to consolidate its dominance in Katsina ahead of the 2027 elections.
