Massive blow to opposition as ruling party consolidates power ahead of 2027 elections
In a major political development likely to reshape Nigeria’s northern political landscape, three serving senators from Kebbi State have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The high-profile defections follow a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
This move is widely seen as a significant setback for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whose enduring influence in the North faces renewed scrutiny. Analysts have described the development as a strategic victory for the APC, which is actively reinforcing its dominance in preparation for upcoming electoral contests.
The Defecting Senators
The senators who abandoned the PDP are:
- Senator Adamu Aliero – Representing Kebbi Central
- Senator Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi – Representing Kebbi North
- Senator Garba Musa Maidoki – Representing Kebbi South
They were formally welcomed into the APC by the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, during a ceremony that highlighted the significance of their departure from the opposition.
High-Level Attendance at the Meeting
The high-stakes meeting that precipitated the defections was attended by several northern political heavyweights, including:
- Dr. Nasir Idris, Governor of Kebbi State
- Ahmad Aliyu, Governor of Sokoto State
- Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning
The presence of these key figures underscores the coordinated nature of the realignment and its implications for the power dynamics in Northern Nigeria.
Strategic Loss for the PDP
Political observers have noted that this wave of defections is not an isolated event but part of a broader strategy to weaken the PDP’s base in the North. The loss of all three senators from Kebbi State not only reduces the party’s numerical strength in the National Assembly but also strikes a psychological blow at its northern structure.
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“This isn’t just about Kebbi,” said Kaduna-based political analyst Musa Aliyu. “This is the disintegration of a once-solid northern bloc that consistently rallied behind Atiku Abubakar. It sends a message of vulnerability at a critical time.”
Implications for Atiku Abubakar and the PDP
Atiku Abubakar, who has contested multiple presidential elections and remains one of the PDP’s most prominent figures, faces increased uncertainty regarding his political future. The defections cast doubt on his ability to rally the North as he has in previous election cycles, especially amid persistent leadership wrangling within the party.
The PDP’s diminishing influence in the Northwest geopolitical zone—a crucial battleground in national elections—could jeopardize its prospects unless urgent structural reforms and reconciliation efforts are made.
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APC’s Consolidation Strategy
The APC continues to strengthen its grip on key regions and legislative bodies. With the addition of these three senators, the ruling party inches closer to achieving a more commanding majority in the Senate, which could smooth the passage of its policy agenda and legislative initiatives.
Furthermore, the defections are viewed as part of President Tinubu’s broader political strategy to stabilize his administration, reduce opposition resistance, and build a more cohesive governance platform heading into the midterm and 2027 general elections.
What This Means for the 2027 Elections
Friday’s events may be an early indicator of a broader political realignment in the North. With Atiku’s influence facing erosion and the PDP losing critical ground, the APC is positioning itself to dictate the narrative leading into the next electoral cycle.
Whether this shift will lead to a long-term transformation in voter loyalty and party structure remains to be seen. However, the significance of losing three sitting senators from a single state cannot be overstated.
What you should know
The defection of Senators Aliero, Abdullahi, and Maidoki marks one of the most dramatic political shifts in the current democratic cycle. As Nigeria’s political terrain continues to evolve, the PDP must now contend with growing fragmentation in its northern base, while the APC capitalizes on its expanding reach and strategic positioning.
Stay tuned for more updates on Nigeria’s political realignment and party dynamics.
