Kebbi ADC Legacy Group, candidates defect to APC

File photo: Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris.

Thousands of members of the African Democratic Congress Legacy Group in Kebbi State, including the party’s House of Representatives candidate and two state House of Assembly candidates, have defected to the All Progressives Congress.

The defectors were formally received into the APC on Wednesday by Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.

Speaking while receiving the new members, Idris attributed his emergence as governor to divine providence and assured the defectors of equal treatment and opportunities to contribute to the affairs of the party.

He said his administration would continue to strengthen governance at the grassroots and implement programmes aimed at improving the lives of residents.

Idris cited his administration’s interventions in agriculture, education and healthcare, including the distribution of fertilisers and other farm inputs to farmers, payment of students’ scholarships and the construction and renovation of schools and health facilities.

“My governorship position is a destiny from Almighty Allah, not merely the product of individual willingness. I am deeply grateful to Almighty Allah, who created us and gave us the opportunity to reach this level of responsibility,” the governor said.

He described the APC as a broad-based platform where the defectors would have a sense of belonging, urging them to contribute to the progress of the party and the state.

The state APC chairman, Kana-Zuru, welcomed the defectors, describing their entry as a boost to the political strength of the party in Kebbi.

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Kana-Zuru urged the new members to remain loyal to the party’s constitution and principles, assuring them that their contributions would be recognised.

“I urge all of you to be patient and remain loyal to the party constitution. Insha Allah, you will all be carried along and treated equally,” he said.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs and Power, Kabir Sani-Giant, urged the defectors to remain disciplined and committed to the ideals of the APC.

The former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and APC House of Representatives candidate, Tanko Sununu, also welcomed the defectors and assured them of equal treatment and support within the party.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, the leader of the ADC Legacy Group, Bala Zuru, said their decision to join the APC was motivated by the development recorded under Governor Idris.

He said the group had closely followed the administration’s policies and programmes before deciding to identify with the APC.

“You have developed Kebbi State to greater heights. We have fully identified with your policies and programmes, and we have decided to join you in advancing the development of our state,” Maga said.

The defection is the latest political realignment in Kebbi State ahead of the 2027 elections, with the ruling APC continuing to receive members and political stakeholders from opposition parties.