As the political landscape in Kaduna State shifts ahead of the 2027 elections, an unusual shortage of brooms has been reported in Southern Kaduna following massive defections.
The broom, the symbol of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has become a sought-after item following a wave of defections from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
The sudden surge in demand follows the recent defection of three PDP lawmakers in the Kaduna State House of Assembly—Henry Mara (Jaba Constituency), Emmanuel Kantiok (Zonkwa Constituency), and Samuel Kambai (Zangon Kataf Constituency)—to the APC.
Their move came just days after Amos Gwamna, the National Assembly member representing Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency, also switched allegiance to the ruling party.
Also, Godfrey Ali Gaiya, a former member who represented Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency for two terms, but now a legislative aide to the speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, has also left the PDP for the APC.
Within a period of one month, Rijo Shekari, who is an aide to the deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has joined the APC.
Rijo had earlier contested for Kaduna South Senate seat under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and lost.
Labour party Senatorial candidates in the 2023 elections, Mike Auta has joined the APC with his massive supporters.
Also, the only lawmaker who has served for two terms in the Senate in the history of Kaduna South, Danjuma Tella Laah, has announced his resignation from the PDP.
Elanza News reports that Danjuma tendered his resignation letter Friday to his ward chairman in Malagum, Kaura LGA of Kaduna State.
Even though Laah has not announced his next move, his supporters told Elanza News that he may likely join the APC.
Speaking on their defections, the three Kaduna State House of Assembly lawmakers said they were aligning with the ruling party to better serve their constituents.
They commended Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what they described as their sterling leadership, arguing that their administrations have transformed the political landscape in Kaduna State and Nigeria.
Henry Mara, who is also the spokesman of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, declared that the PDP’s influence in Southern Kaduna was fading.
“The PDP’s dominance in Southern Kaduna has crumbled,” he said. “The governor’s achievements have erased animosity towards the APC. Peace, security, and unity have returned under his administration.”
Mara further suggested that more opposition lawmakers could soon follow suit.
“A major realignment in the power structure of the State House of Assembly is looming, as we are expecting more PDP members to join the APC,” he added.
Emmanuel Kantiok echoed similar sentiments, stating that the return of peace to Kaduna under Governor Sani had significantly weakened the PDP’s stronghold, which is their region.
The defections have sparked reactions across the state’s political landscape.
Husseini Yusuf, a political analyst, described the development as a turning point in Southern Kaduna politics.
“The story of Southern Kaduna politics has completely changed,” he said. “This is happening because of the inclusive governance style of Governor Uba Sani.”
The latest defections signal a potential shift in Kaduna’s political balance, raising questions about the PDP’s ability to maintain its traditional support base in the region ahead of future elections.
With speculations that more opposition lawmakers may cross over to the APC, the political landscape in Kaduna appears to be undergoing a significant transformation. Governor Sani’s administration will likely seek to consolidate its influence, while the PDP faces the challenge of regaining lost ground. For now, the ruling APC seems to be gaining momentum in the state’s political arena.
List of those who decamped into APC recently in Southern Kaduna:
1. Sen Danjuma Laar
2. Hon Godfrey Ali Gaiya (Former member house of REPS)
3. Hon Amos Gwamna Magaji’s (Serving member house of reps Zangon Kataf / Jaba federal constituency
4. Hon Donatus K Mathew (Member of reps Kaura federal constituency)
5. Hon Henry Marah Zakarieh (Member representing Jaba constituency State House of Assembly)
6. Hon. Samuel Kambai koza (Member representing Zango constituency (Kaduna State House of Assembly)
7. Barrister Emmanuel Kantiok (Member state Assembly Kaduna Zonkwa constituency)
8. Hon. Ado Doguwa Audu (3 times member, House of Reps)
9. Eng Joseph Chiroma (Retired staff of TCN)
10. Hon Paul Wani (Former chairman, Kauru LGA)
11. Hon Mikiah Tokwak (Former chairman of Jemaah local government)
12. Hon Morondia Tanko (Former state assembly member, Kagarko constituency)
13. Hon Timothy Chindo (Former member, Kaduna state assembly)
14. Hon Shehu Tafarke (Former PDP chairman Kagarko LGA)
15. Eng Michael Auta (Labour Party zone 3 senate ticket flag bearer in 2023 elections)
16. Hon Keneth Suwa (Former exco member, NNPP)
17. Hon Ben Kure (Former state chairman of NNPP)
18. Hon NUhu Audu (Former NNPP state chairman)
19. Sunday Baba (former vice Jema’a LGA)
20. Isah Ciroma, Labour Party Chairman
21. Hon. Seth Bakut
