Former Vice President Namadi Sambo, who served under President Goodluck Jonathan, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The move, which took place at the Kaduna State Government House, brings an end to prolonged speculation surrounding his political allegiance and delivers a notable setback to the PDP’s standing in the North-West.
Sambo was welcomed into the APC by Governor Uba Sani and other party leaders, marking another high-profile defection amid growing concerns over the PDP’s internal cohesion and its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
The former Vice President, a seasoned technocrat and former governor of Kaduna State, retains significant support across both grassroots and elite political circles in the region.
Reacting to the development, former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido criticized the trend of shifting political loyalties, warning of a decline in political literacy and principled leadership among Nigerian politicians.
He expressed skepticism over Sambo’s defection, suggesting it might be rooted in misinformation or technological manipulation.
“If not, then, it shows that the defecting politician does not know his class or standing in the country. By his status, he (Sambo) cannot join the APC at the local state branch of the party. You (the media) should ask him why he is jumping ship and what he wants or what is pursuing him,” he stated.
Confirming the defection, a chieftain of the Kaduna APC, Bashir Hamisu, wrote in a brief message on Facebook: “Former Vice President Namadi Sambo officially joins APC. You are welcome to our party 100 per cent.”
Explaining his decision, Sambo stated: “APC’s vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria aligns with my aspirations for our great nation. I believe in APC’s commitment to progress, and I am here to bring my experience to bear on the efforts to support the party’s agenda.”
He reaffirmed his dedication to national unity, describing it as the driving force behind his continued involvement in public service. Governor Uba Sani, speaking at the event, hailed Sambo’s entrance into the APC as a “game-changer” for both the party and the political landscape of Kaduna State.
