FORMER PDP CANDIDATE LEADS FOLLOWERS TO APC IN KEBBI STATE
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Kebbi’s political landscape shifted dramatically on Tuesday as Alhaji Lawali Dakingari, a senior PDP figure and former governorship aspirant, led a large wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The move saw 2,208 delegates from polling units across Suru Local Government Area switch allegiance from the PDP to the APC, marking one of the largest single defections in the state in recent months. The development highlights the fluidity of political alliances as parties position themselves ahead of upcoming elections.
The defectors were welcomed at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi by Governor Nasir Idris, alongside APC leaders and representatives from all 21 local government areas.
Suru Local Government and the wider Dakingari political network have historically been key power bases for both the PDP and APC in Kebbi, dating back to the tenure of former Governor Sa’idu Dakingari (2007–2015). While the PDP once dominated the zone, its influence has diminished following APC’s consolidation of power and internal disputes within the PDP after the 2023 elections.
Speaking at the event, Lawali Dakingari described the mass defection as “in good faith” and without conditions, citing the leadership style of Governor Idris and the political legacy of former Governor Dakingari as key reasons for the switch.
“We joined the APC because we believe in sincerity, justice, and unity,” he said, noting that members of the ADC and long-standing PDP loyalists dating back to 1999 were part of the move. He added that further defections, including former local government chairmen and other stakeholders who could not attend, are expected in the coming days, indicating continued realignments within Kebbi’s opposition space.
APC State Chairman Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru called the defections a “major numerical boost” for the party, urging both new and long-standing members to prioritise party registration and voter mobilisation ahead of future elections.
Governor Idris welcomed the defectors, saying the influx reflects growing alignment and shared goals across Suru and beyond. “Today we are one family. By the grace of Allah, we will continue to work together to deepen peace, strengthen security, and deliver more dividends of democracy,” he said.
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