In a significant political shift, Bello Layya, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Argungu Local Government of Kebbi state, along with 1,500 party supporters, formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday.
The group of PDP defectors included key figures such as Ward Chairmen, the Youth Leader, the Women Leader, and a former member of the House of Representatives, Eng. Garba Musa Gulma.
The PDP decampees were welcomed by the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, during the APC Zonal Campaign Rally in Argungu. The rally, which marked the campaign kickoff, covered Arewa, Dandi, Argungu, and Augie Local Government Areas.
In his address, Deputy Governor Tafida emphasized that the large number of defectors reflected the trust the people have in the APC-led administration under the leadership of Kauran Gwandu. He highlighted the significant progress made in the first year of Governor Idris’s tenure, particularly in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
“Kauran Gwandu has positively impacted the lives of our people, especially in the areas of education, healthcare delivery, and infrastructural development,” Tafida said. He noted that the government had distributed free fertilizer to farmers, paid school fees, and implemented economic empowerment programs.
ALSO READ Katsina PDP crisis deepens as Inuwa-led faction holds congresses
Tafida also expressed gratitude to the people of the Argungu Emirate for their unwavering support for the current administration and assured them that APC candidates would not disappoint them. He urged voters to turn out in large numbers for the upcoming local government elections on August 31, 2024.
State Party Chairman, Abubakar Kana-Zuru, assured the defectors of fair treatment within the APC. He mentioned that significant numbers of defectors were also joining from Augie Local Government Area. Kana praised Governor Idris’s achievements, particularly the appointment of over 6,000 advisers aimed at empowering the people and broadening governance.
Several other APC leaders, including the National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Muhammad Argungu, the Zonal Vice Chairman for Kebbi North, Sahabi Lolo, and Garba Rabiu Kamba, a House of Representatives member, also appealed to the people to support the APC in the forthcoming local government elections.
Suleiman Muhammad Argungu reassured the electorate that all APC candidates, from councillors to chairmen, have proven records of integrity and would serve the people faithfully. He urged continued support for the Kauran Gwandu-led administration and the APC.
“It is payback time. Kaura has done his best within one year to develop Kebbi in various aspects. It is now your turn to reciprocate and vote for APC,” Argungu stated.
Before the rally commenced, the APC campaign team paid homage to the Emir of Argungu, Samaila Muhammad Mera, at his palace to seek royal blessings.
The Emir commended Governor Idris for his developmental projects across the state, especially in education, and the free distribution of fertilizer and assorted grains.
He called for sustained prayers for the nation’s leaders and expressed optimism that Nigeria’s economic and social challenges would gradually come to an end by God’s grace.
