No fewer than 289 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have defected to the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Sakwaya Ward, Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The defection, which took place on Friday at the PDP ward office, was led by Mrs. Harira Sakwaya, wife of the APC ward chairman. She lamented the APC’s failure to meet members’ expectations, describing the move to PDP as a fresh start. Out of the 289 defectors, 273 were women and 16 men.
Deputy state chairman of PDP, Umar Danjani, who represented the state chairman at the event, welcomed the new members and assured them of full integration into the party’s structure. He described the mass defection as a “significant boost” ahead of the 2027 elections, promising greater grassroots mobilisation and inclusiveness.
“We welcome you with open arms and promise to work tirelessly to address your concerns as we build a stronger Jigawa together,” Danjani said.
Prominent PDP stalwart and ward leader, Mamuda Sakwaya, also hailed the development as a milestone for the party. He noted that the influx of defectors underscored PDP’s growing influence at the grassroots level, which he described as crucial for electoral success in Jigawa.
In her remarks, Mrs. Sakwaya expressed regret over her time in APC, stressing that the party’s leadership had disappointed members. She thanked former governor Sule Lamido for his contributions to Sakwaya Ward, especially in empowering women.
“This is the true party of the people, and we are grateful to join a movement that prioritises development and inclusiveness,” she said.
The event drew a large turnout of party supporters, further solidifying PDP’s resurgence in the state.
