The political landscape in Katsina State is witnessing fresh realignments as Governor Malam Dikko Radda welcomed politicians and supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday evening.
The new members, who came from Safana Local Government Area, were formally presented to the governor at the Katsina Government House by the Deputy Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abduljalal Haruna Runka, and the Chairman of Safana Local Government Council, Hon. Abdullahi Sani (Brazil).
Speaking during the reception at the Government House Council Chamber, Radda said the decision by the defectors to join the APC reflected their confidence in his administration and its development agenda for the state.
“We are happy to receive you into the APC. Your decision demonstrates your confidence in our leadership and commitment to the development of Katsina State,” the Governor said.
Radda assured residents of Safana that his administration would continue to execute projects and programmes aimed at improving their welfare. He also urged both existing and new APC members to maintain unity and work towards advancing the party’s objectives.
Presenting the defectors, Deputy Speaker Abduljalal Haruna Runka said the group had come to formally reaffirm its allegiance to the APC while appreciating the governor for the development projects carried out across Safana Local Government Area.
“We appreciate His Excellency for the support and development projects his administration has brought to our people. We assure him of our continued support and loyalty,” he stated.
Safana Local Government Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Sani, also pledged that political stakeholders in the area would continue to collaborate in strengthening the APC and supporting Radda’s development agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the former PDP members, Umar Ya’u said the governor’s fairness, inclusive approach to governance and achievements influenced their decision to leave the opposition party.
He recalled that he benefited from the state’s subsidised fertiliser programme while he was still a PDP member, which he said demonstrated the governor’s non-partisan approach to governance.
“I was surprised when I was told that I was among those who would receive government-subsidised fertiliser, even though I was then a member of the opposition PDP,” Umar Ya’u said.
According to him, Radda’s development efforts, alongside the contributions of the Safana Local Government Chairman, ultimately persuaded him and his supporters to join the APC.
Also speaking for the ADC defectors, Hon. Umme Yakubu Safana said their decision was driven by their confidence in Radda’s leadership and vision for Katsina State.
“We are happy to join the APC and become one family. We are ready to work with other party members and support the development of Katsina State,” he said.
The PDP delegation was led by Hon. Yahaya Abubakar (Dan Area), while the ADC delegation was led by Hon. Umme Yakubu Safana.
The latest defections add to the growing political realignment in Katsina State ahead of the 2027 political season. Several prominent figures have recently moved away from the ADC, including former Secretary to the Katsina State Government and ADC governorship aspirant, Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, who joined the APC.
Another former ADC governorship aspirant, former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Daura, also recently moved to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), further highlighting the shifting political alliances in the state.
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