No fewer than 289 members of the All Progressives Congress have left the party for the Peoples Democratic Party in Sakwaya Ward, Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The defection, which took place on Friday at the PDP ward office, drew a large crowd as key figures from both parties gathered.
Speaking at the event, PDP deputy state chairman, Umar Danjani, who represented the state chairman, described the mass movement as a major boost for the opposition party ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We welcome you with open arms and promise to work tirelessly to address your concerns as we build a stronger Jigawa together,” Danjani said. “Our doors are always open to anyone committed to the progress of Jigawa. With your addition, we are closer to achieving a united front that will bring lasting development to the state.”
He also urged politicians across the state to engage peacefully and embrace democratic values as the race for 2027 begins.
Mamuda Sakwaya, a prominent PDP figure and ward leader, said the development marks a significant gain for the party.
“We warmly receive our brothers and sisters from APC who’ve chosen to join the true party of the people,” Sakwaya said. “This is a milestone for PDP in Sakwaya and Jigawa State at large.”
Leading the defectors, Mrs Harira Sakwaya, wife of the APC ward chairman, expressed regret for her time in the ruling party.
“Joining APC was a disappointment for us,” she said. “We are grateful to Sule Lamido, who has done so much for Sakwaya and the women here — things we cannot repay.”
She explained that the group, made up of 273 women and 16 men, decided to move to PDP because the APC leadership had failed to meet their expectations.
Observers say the defection highlights growing dissatisfaction with the APC at the grassroots level in the state, raising the stakes ahead of the next election season.
