Breaking: Three Serving PDP Federal Lawmakers Defect to APC

Abuja, Nigeria — In a significant political development, three members of the House of Representatives from Katsina State officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during plenary at the National Assembly today.

The defection was formally announced in the Green Chamber and has immediately altered the political composition of Katsina’s representation in the House.

Lawmakers Who Defected:

1. Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri – Representing Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency
2. Hon. Aliyu Iliyasu Ruma – Representing Batsari/Safana/Danmusa Federal Constituency
3. Hon. Abdullahi Balarabe Dabai – Representing Bakori/Danja Federal Constituency

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Defection Confirmed in House Plenary

The Speaker of the House of Representatives formally acknowledged the defection letters submitted by the lawmakers. The legislators cited internal crises within the PDP in their respective constituencies and the inability of the party to uphold democratic principles as key reasons for their decision.

Hon. Salisu Majigiri, a former chairman of the PDP in Katsina State, was considered one of the strongest opposition figures in the region. His move to the APC is seen as a major win for the ruling party, particularly ahead of future political calculations in the North-West.

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Political Implications

This latest wave of defection:

• Strengthens APC’s numerical advantage in the House of Representatives
• Further weakens the PDP’s influence in Katsina State, the home state of former President Muhammadu Buhari
• Signals growing realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections

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Background

Katsina State has historically leaned towards the APC since 2015, but the PDP made significant inroads during the 2023 general elections, winning multiple federal constituencies. However, with today’s defection of three lawmakers, the PDP’s foothold has been further diminished.

Political analysts suggest that these defections may embolden others contemplating a similar move, especially amid ongoing internal PDP factional crises at both state and national levels.

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What Next?

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to issue a statement, and there are no immediate indications that the PDP will challenge the defections in court.

Observers say this development may also trigger leadership restructuring within the Katsina PDP chapter, while the APC is expected to consolidate gains with the addition of the defectors.