In what is a further erosion of its numerical strength and influence, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost its local government chairman in Kebbi State and 1500 others, mostly the defecting chairman’s supporters, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State.
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has already officially welcomed the defecting PDP Chairman in Argungu Local Government Area, Alhaji Bello Layya, along with 1,500 supporters who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), those who defected with Layya include all the LG Ward Chairmen, the Youth Leader, the Women Leader, and former House of Representatives member, Garba Musa-Gulma.
The new members were received during the flag-off of the APC Zonal Campaign Rally in Argungu on Monday.
Representing the Governor at the event, Deputy Governor Sen. Umar Abubakar-Tafida expressed his pleasure at the decision of the former PDP members to join the ruling party, noting that the large number of defections from the main opposition party reflects the trust people have in the APC-led administration in Kebbi State.
Governor Idris suggested that the surge in support for the APC is linked to the significant progress made during the party’s first year in office, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure development. He urged citizens to turn out in large numbers to vote for APC candidates in the upcoming elections.
“We are calling on you to exercise your right by voting, and we urge you to support our candidates for chairmen and councillors,” Idris said.
He assured the public that the Kebbi State Independent Electoral Commission (KESIEC) is prepared to conduct free, fair, and credible elections across the state.
The Governor also called on voters to maintain discipline and respect for the rule of law during and after the elections.
In his remarks, APC Chairman in Kebbi State, Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru, explained that the zonal rally was the beginning of a broader campaign that would extend to local governments, wards, polling units, and even door-to-door efforts. He encouraged party members and voters to work diligently to secure victory for the APC at all levels, promising that such support would bring more developmental projects to their communities.
Former Deputy Governor of Kebbi State and Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Bello Dantani, along with Rep. Garba Rabi’u-Kamba, who represents the Arewa/Dandi federal constituency, also urged voters to deliver a strong vote for the APC.
They highlighted the achievements of the current administration and assured that continued support for the APC would lead to sustained progress.
Earlier, Alhaji Aliyu Hard-Game, APC Chairman of Argungu LG, emphasized the importance of every vote, urging people to come out and exercise their franchise.
The campaign delegation also paid a visit to the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammadu Sama’ila-Mera, at his palace.
The Emir called on Kebbi politicians to unite and work toward the common goals of peace, progress, and socioeconomic development in the state.
He emphasized that unity among the political elites is crucial for moving the state forward.
Governor Idris, in his visit to the palace, expressed gratitude for the Emir’s support and advice, promising to collaborate closely with traditional institutions for the betterment of Kebbi State.
