‘Sad and worrisome development’ — Kaduna PDP reconciliation chair decries wave of defections

Shuaibu Miqati, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appeal and reconciliation committee in Kaduna, has reacted to the recent defection of some members of the party.

There has been a wave of defections in recent days from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna, driven by various reasons, including internal crises in the opposition party.

On Saturday, Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, welcomed some defectors, who were leaders in the PDP, at a rally that took place at the Murtala Muhammed Square.

Among the defectors are Shehu Sani, the former Kaduna senator; Suleiman Hunkuyi, the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in 2023; Muktar Ramalan Yero, a former Kaduna governor; and Sani Shaaban, a former member of the house of representatives.

Others are Danjuma Tela Laah, Abubakar Mustapha, Jafaru Kurmin Kogi, Donatus Mathew, Amos Gwamna Magaji, Henry Marah Zachariah, Samuel Kozah Kambai, Emmanuel Kantiok, Sule Buba, Yakubu Umar Barde, Mato Dogara, Micheal Auta, Joseph Almajiri Ciroma, Idris Zangon Aya, Muhammad Mahmud Aliyu, Usman Baba, and Seth Bakut.

In a statement on Sunday, Miqati described the mass exodus from the PDP as a “sad and worrisome development”.

Miqati said the PDP’s internal issues are not enough reason for defections after an appeal and reconciliation committee has been established.

“It is indeed a very sad and most worrisome development,” he said.

“While there are indeed issues as regards a number of events like party congresses and primary elections leading to the emergence of flag bearers in the last local government elections.

“It is not a sufficient reason for people to jump ship, more so that an appeal and reconciliation committee has been inaugurated by the PDP.

“The committee has commenced work immediately and in earnest with maximum support of party elders and leaders.

“While people may have reasons to change their affiliation to a party, disagreements, differences, and challenges are customary and necessary in any gathering of people, no matter the level of homogeneity.

“This is what is essential for people to bear in mind. It is a painful loss, but such is life, and life is not constant.”

The committee chairman said the PDP’s congresses were flawed, adding that early outreach to aggrieved members could have prevented defections.

“Politics is dynamic and change is just a permanent feature. You will see more defections from the APC to PDP soon,” Miqati said.

“Be ready, be prepared, and watch out with care and calmness for the unfolding scenarios.

“If care is not taken, history would repeat itself. In 2014, a number of people left the PDP, and a handful of these people were back to the party. We live to see.”