34 ADC assembly aspirants defect to PDP as APC courts Inuwa

The internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State has intensified, with 34 House of Assembly aspirants defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This significant exodus follows disputed primaries that have fractured the ADC into rival factions, creating parallel structures and competing claims to its governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The defectors, who represent 18 local government areas, were received by PDP leaders. Ahmad Yusuf Jaguma, speaking for the group, cited injustice, poor leadership, and a lack of internal democracy within the ADC as reasons for their departure. He stated that the aspirants lost confidence in the party's leadership and believe the PDP offers a better path forward, calling it their "original home."

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is reportedly making efforts to bring Mustapha Inuwa, a former governorship aspirant and a founding APC member in Katsina, back into its fold. Inuwa had left the APC after failing to secure the governorship ticket in 2023 and subsequently joined the PDP, where he served as the director-general of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign in the state, before moving to the ADC. The APC has reportedly held meetings with Inuwa, signaling a strategic move to strengthen its position for the upcoming election cycle.

The ADC's internal divisions stem from a leadership and candidate dispute that has produced competing claims to its governorship ticket. Aspirants, including Inuwa, had challenged the emergence of Ahmed Kaita as the party’s candidate, alleging a lack of transparency and adherence to electoral laws. This disagreement has exacerbated internal divisions and created uncertainty about the party's cohesion in the state.

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We thought deeply, and we found that PDP is the solution. We left a disorganised journey and returned to our original home.