The political landscape in Katsina State is shifting as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) faces deepening internal turmoil, with 34 House of Assembly aspirants defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) just days after a disputed primary election split the party. The defection, which occurred on Tuesday, involves candidates from 18 local government areas who cited injustice, poor leadership, and a lack of internal democracy as reasons for leaving the ADC. Speaking on behalf of the group, Ahmad Yusuf Jaguma said they had lost confidence in the party’s leadership and saw the PDP as a return to their “original home.” He noted that many had hoped PDP leader Senator Yakubu Lado Danmarke would also join the ADC but changed their minds when that did not happen.
The ADC’s internal crisis stems from a contentious governorship primary that led to rival factions claiming the party’s ticket for the 2027 elections. Ahmed Kaita emerged as the party’s candidate, but several aspirants challenged the process, alleging it lacked transparency and failed to follow electoral guidelines. This has created significant uncertainty within the party’s structure, weakening its unity and electoral prospects. The defection of 34 aspirants further erodes the ADC’s credibility and organizational strength in the state.
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is making strategic moves to strengthen its position ahead of the next elections. Reports indicate that top APC members have held separate meetings with Mustapha Inuwa, a former Secretary to the Katsina State Government and ex-governorship aspirant, to bring him back into the party fold. Inuwa, a founding member of the APC in Katsina, left the party after failing to secure its governorship ticket in 2023. He later joined the PDP, serving as campaign director for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in Katsina, before switching to the ADC.
The APC’s outreach to Inuwa includes visits by Jabiru Tsauri, a former chief of staff to the governor, and Deputy Governor Lawal Jobe, who reportedly held a closed-door meeting with him. Although details of these discussions remain undisclosed, the efforts signal the APC’s intent to consolidate support and counter growing opposition from other parties. The party’s leadership appears determined to rebuild alliances and reassert dominance in Katsina politics.
On the PDP side, the party welcomed the defectors with open arms. Katsina PDP chairperson Nuraddeen Kurfi assured the new members of justice and equal opportunity, emphasizing that the party is “home for everyone.” PDP governorship candidate Yakubu Danmarke also welcomed the influx, stating that more politicians are expected to join in the coming weeks. This development could significantly boost the PDP’s presence in Katsina, especially as the 2027 elections approach.
As political realignments continue, the future of party dynamics in Katsina State remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the race for political dominance is intensifying.
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