By HARUNA AHMED, Katsina –
A total of 287 former aspirants and candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina State have defected to the Coalition of Political Parties ahead of 2027 election.
The defectors, who include former House of Assembly, Chairmanship, and Councilorship aspirants and candidates, cited betrayal and deceitful actions by the PDP as reasons for their decision to join the coalition.
“We were called to contest for the position of local government chairmen, but unfortunately we were deceived by a faction of the party,” said Alhaji Yasir Ibrahim, Chairman of Local Government Chairmanship Aspirants’ Forum.
“We struggled to obtain the expression of interest forms, but to our greatest surprise, our names were not submitted to the electoral body.”
The defectors expressed their commitment to working with the coalition to bring positive change to the state.
“As new members, we would remain loyal and ready to join any political party the leadership resolved to be part of,” said Malam Jamilu Yahaya, Chairman of the House of Assembly Aspirants’ Forum.
The coalition leader, Alhaji Mustapha Inuwa, welcomed the new members, assuring them of equal treatment.
“I know the value of the new members, and their struggle in the PDP before leaving,” said Sen. Ahmed Babba-Kaita, while receiving the new members.
“The new members were deceived by the faction of the party, therefore, their decision to join the coalition is greatly welcomed.”
The defection is seen as a significant blow to the PDP in Katsina State, with the coalition poised to provide a stronger opposition to the ruling party.
