Defection: Seamless integration of new APC members assured – Ganduje
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has assured Nigerians that the recent defections into the ruling party, including three Senators from Kebbi State, will be managed seamlessly through established party mechanisms.
After leading the defecting senators to a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Friday, Ganduje stated, “Our constitution is very clear about this and, beyond that, our political dexterity in managing such affairs is on the table. So, I assure you that there will be a smooth integration.”
The meeting at the State House followed the decision of three Kebbi senators—Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Senator Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South)—to switch their allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Ganduje mentioned that the senators will soon announce their defection on the floor of the Senate.
Describing the development as strategic and beneficial for the party, Ganduje noted that the defections stemmed from weeks of negotiations and consultations among key stakeholders in Kebbi State.
“This is in continuation of the initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the APC must do what it must do democratically in order to increase our numerical strength,” he remarked. “Not only our numerical strength but also the quality and capacity of our followership have increased.”
Ganduje confirmed that President Tinubu has welcomed the senators’ decision, signaling the party’s readiness for their official integration. “By Tuesday, you will see what will happen in the Red Chambers,” he added.
Addressing concerns regarding a potential drift toward a one-party state, Ganduje insisted that the growing dominance of the APC is evidence of its performance and appeal throughout the country. “Leaders worried about a one-party state have no need to fear. A one-party state is not by force; it is by negotiation,” he explained. “If they decide to come to our party willingly, I think there is nothing wrong with that.”
He went on to criticize the current political structure, arguing that an overcrowded political space could hinder effective governance. “You know they say too many cooks spoil the soup; too many political parties spoil governance,” Ganduje remarked.
In recent months, the APC has witnessed a notable number of defections from opposition parties in both chambers of the National Assembly, a trend attributed to the consolidation of power by the ruling party under President Tinubu.
Ganduje reiterated the APC’s commitment to democratic principles and inclusiveness, assuring that every new member would find a suitable place within the party’s expansive framework and leadership structure.
Source: The Nation
