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PDP Representative Defects To APC In Southern Kaduna

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 4:16 GMT by LEADERSHIP Newspaper

Hon. Gambo K. M., a former deputy governor‑elect from the Zangon Kataf/Igabi/Chikun senatorial district—has officially left the People's Democratic Party to join the All Progressives Congress. The decision, announced in a press release issued by the APC’s southern Kaduna unit, is framed as both a personal career move and a response to broader grievances about the PDP’s representation of southern Kaduna interests.

Key Points of the Defection

1. Official Announcement
   Hon. Gambo formally signed a letter of defection at a public ceremony held in Zangon Kataf. The letter, which he presented to the APC’s regional chairman, is cited in the article as evidence of the switch. The ceremony was attended by several APC leaders, including the national deputy president, who welcomed the new member.

2. Motivation and Grievances
   In a statement delivered during the ceremony, Hon. Gambo blamed the PDP for neglecting southern Kaduna’s development needs. He highlighted the “persistent insecurity, lack of infrastructure, and limited political will” that he claims the PDP has ignored. The article quotes him saying, “The PDP has turned a blind eye to our people’s suffering while the APC has promised concrete solutions.” The piece also references a prior interview in which the representative discussed the PDP’s failure to allocate resources for farmer‑herder peace initiatives and for improving road networks in the region.

3. Reactions from PDP and APC
   PDP’s national spokesperson, Mrs. Ifeoma Eze, released a brief statement: “The party remains committed to serving all Nigerians, including those in southern Kaduna. We urge the defector to rejoin us for the betterment of the nation.” The APC’s national spokesperson, Mr. Jolly Okoro, on the other hand, expressed enthusiasm, noting that the move “strengthens the party’s foothold in a key area for the upcoming elections.”

4. Implications for Upcoming Elections
   The defection comes just months before the 2025 general elections. Southern Kaduna has long been a battleground for both major parties, with the PDP historically dominating the area. The article suggests that the APC’s gain could shift the balance of power, especially given the region’s high voter turnout and strategic importance. Political analysts quoted in the article predict that the APC’s fresh presence may sway undecided voters who have grown frustrated with PDP’s perceived inaction.

Contextual Background

The article does not merely stop at the individual’s switch; it also provides a broader picture of southern Kaduna’s political climate. By following a hyperlink to another Leadership piece titled “Southern Kaduna: A Region in Crisis,” the article expands on the security challenges that underpin the political narrative. That linked piece discusses:

• Inter‑communal Violence: A chronic struggle between Christian and Muslim communities, often sparked by land disputes and religious tensions. The piece cites recent incidents where clashes have led to displacement and loss of lives.
• Farmer‑Herders Conflict: Ongoing disputes over grazing rights, exacerbated by climate change and population pressure. These conflicts have drawn national attention and prompted calls for federal intervention.
• Infrastructure Deficits: The region’s inadequate road networks and lack of electricity, which impede economic development and hinder government outreach.

These underlying issues, the article argues, create a fertile ground for political realignment, as leaders vie to position themselves as champions of development and security.

Additional Links and Their Contributions

The Leadership article also contains a link to a PDF briefing from the Southern Kaduna Development Committee (SCDC), which offers data on poverty rates and infrastructure deficits in the area. The briefing highlights that:

• Poverty: Approximately 70% of households in southern Kaduna live below the national poverty line.
• Education: School enrolment rates are lower than the national average, partly due to insecurity and lack of facilities.
• Health: The region suffers from a shortage of healthcare workers, leading to high maternal and infant mortality rates.

By integrating this data, the article frames Hon. Gambo’s defection as a potential catalyst for addressing these long‑standing socio‑economic problems, suggesting that the APC’s policy agenda might be better suited to tackle the region’s challenges.

Conclusion

In sum, the Leadership article offers a detailed account of Hon. Gambo K. M.’s switch from PDP to APC, framing it as a response to perceived neglect by the PDP and a hope for improved governance in southern Kaduna. By weaving together the defector’s personal narrative, the political ramifications, and the region’s socio‑economic context—supported by links to background pieces on security, infrastructure, and development—the article paints a comprehensive picture of how a single political move can ripple through a community already struggling with deep‑seated challenges. The move is poised to intensify competition between the PDP and APC in southern Kaduna, with significant implications for the 2025 elections and the region’s future stability and development.