Katsina LG poll: APC chair, Ganduje, welcomes defectors, unveils campaign

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on Sunday officially launched the party’s local government election campaign in Katsina State by receiving over 40,000 defectors from opposition parties into the APC fold.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to Katsina State Governor Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, Ibrahim Mohammed,
and shared with newsmen.

The event, held in Ingawa Local Government Area, witnessed the defection of several prominent political figures, including former Peoples Democratic Party State Chairman, Rabiuy Bakori; Accord Party’s Vice Presidential Aspirant, Isah Hamisu Dandume; and former Deputy Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danchafa.

In his speech, Ganduje attributed the influx of defectors to the APC’s commitment to good governance and the prosperity it has delivered.

“The APC government’s total commitment and demonstrated prosperity have motivated these prominent politicians to join our party,” Ganduje said, assuring the new members of equal privileges within the party.

The state governor, Umar Radda reiterated his administration’s dedication to credible elections.

“My administration is unwavering in its commitment to conducting free and fair elections that genuinely reflect the will of the people,” the statement quoted him as saying.

Radda also urged the electorate to support APC candidates in the February local government elections and the 2027 general elections.

“The APC government will continue to deliver its mandate to build a prosperous future for the good people of Katsina State,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Bakori cited Radda’s remarkable developmental strides as their motivation for joining the APC.

“We are inspired by the governor’s commitment to progress and are dedicated to collaborating with him to reposition the state for greater achievements,” Bakori said.

The ceremony attracted a massive turnout of party stalwarts, residents, and political heavyweights, including the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Kabir Masari; members of the APC National Working Committee; State Deputy Governor, Malam Jobe; and former Governor Ibrahim Shema.

Also in attendance were Senators Abdulaziz Yar’adua, Muntari Dutse, and Nasiru Zango; a former Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika; and members of the Katsina State Executive Council, alongside former federal and state legislators.

The event, according to the statement, marks a significant boost for the APC as it prepares for the upcoming local government elections in February, with the party aiming to consolidate its influence in Katsina State.