In a major political development likely to reshape Nigeria’s northern political landscape, three serving senators from Kebbi State have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The high-profile defections follow a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

This move is widely seen as a significant setback for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whose enduring influence in the North faces renewed scrutiny. Analysts have described the development as a strategic victory for the APC, which is actively reinforcing its dominance in preparation for upcoming electoral contests.

The senators who abandoned the PDP are:
Senator Adamu Aliero – Representing Kebbi Central
Senator Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi – Representing Kebbi North
Senator Garba Musa Maidoki – Representing Kebbi South

They were formally welcomed into the APC by the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, during a ceremony that highlighted the significance of their departure from the opposition.

The high-stakes meeting that precipitated the defections was attended by several northern political heavyweights, including:

Dr. Nasir Idris, Governor of Kebbi State
Ahmad Aliyu, Governor of Sokoto State
Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning

The presence of these key figures underscores the coordinated nature of the realignment and its implications for the power dynamics in Northern Nigeria.

Political observers have noted that this wave of defections is not an isolated event but part of a broader strategy to weaken the PDP’s base in the North. The loss of all three senators from Kebbi State not only reduces the party’s numerical strength in the National Assembly but also strikes a psychological blow at its northern structure.

“This isn’t just about Kebbi,” said Kaduna-based political analyst Musa Aliyu. “This is the disintegration of a once-solid northern bloc that consistently rallied behind Atiku Abubakar. It sends a message of vulnerability at a critical time.”

Atiku Abubakar, who has contested multiple presidential elections and remains one of the PDP’s most prominent figures, faces increased uncertainty regarding his political future. The defections cast doubt on his ability to rally the North as he has in previous election cycles, especially amid persistent leadership wrangling within the party.

The PDP’s diminishing influence in the Northwest geopolitical zone—a crucial battleground in national elections—could jeopardize its prospects unless urgent structural reforms and reconciliation efforts are made.

The APC continues to strengthen its grip on key regions and legislative bodies. With the addition of these three senators, the ruling party inches closer to achieving a more commanding majority in the Senate, which could smooth the passage of its policy agenda and legislative initiatives.

Furthermore, the defections are viewed as part of President Tinubu’s broader political strategy to stabilize his administration, reduce opposition resistance, and build a more cohesive governance platform heading into the midterm and 2027 general elections.

Friday’s events may be an early indicator of a broader political realignment in the North. With Atiku’s influence facing erosion and the PDP losing critical ground, the APC is positioning itself to dictate the narrative leading into the next electoral cycle.

Whether this shift will lead to a long-term transformation in voter loyalty and party structure remains to be seen. However, the significance of losing three sitting senators from a single state cannot be overstated.

The defection of Senators Aliero, Abdullahi, and Maidoki marks one of the most dramatic political shifts in the current democratic cycle. As Nigeria’s political terrain continues to evolve, the PDP must now contend with growing fragmentation in its northern base, while the APC capitalizes on its expanding reach and strategic positioning.

Pastor Funke Awolowo, late Obafemi Awolowo’s grand-daughter, has resigned her membership of the Labour Party Executive Committee in Lagos State.

Until her resignation, Awolowo was the party’s Head of Mobilisation and Integration Team in Lagos.

In a statement shared with Vanguard, the grandchild of the late sage said recent developments within the party made it increasingly difficult for her to continue her membership of the committee.

In the statement she signed and addressed to Dayo Ekong, Lagos State Chairman of the party, Awolowo said the integrity of the committee is being compromised, adding that the situation has damaged her reputation.

The statement read, “I am writing to formally resign my position as a member of the Lagos State Executive Committee, effective immediately.

“This decision comes after deep reflection and considerable personal introspection. Recent developments have made it increasingly difficult for me to continue in this role in good conscience.

“I have observed with growing concern that the integrity of the committee is being compromised and, regrettably, is being leveraged for purposes that conflict with the values and principles I hold dear.

“More troubling is the damage this has done to my personal reputation, as my name has been unfairly associated with actions and motives that I neither support nor condone.

“For years, I have served with sincerity and dedication, committed to the vision of impactful governance.

“However, when the purpose of service is blurred by personal interests and the space for integrity begins to shrink, it becomes necessary to step aside.”

Despite stepping away from her role, Awolowo maintained that her commitment to public service and the political process remains steadfast.

She said, “I believe in the promise of a better Nigeria and will continue to work toward that end in whatever capacity I am able. I remain grateful for the opportunity to have served and extend my thanks to all who made the experience worthwhile.”

Her resignation from her role in the Labour Party came four months after she appealed to all lovers of New Nigeria, Obidients, Afenifere, and Support Groups, to come together as a united force.

The former Minister of Finance and one-time Senator representing Kaduna South stated that it was “insulting” for Abure to continue presenting himself as party chairman, despite lacking both legal and institutional legitimacy.

“We state emphatically and without equivocation: Mr. Julius Abure is the former National Chairman of the Labour Party. His tenure and legitimacy have long since expired,” Usman said.

INEC Discredits Claims of Abure’s Recognition
Senator Usman referenced a statement posted via INEC’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, where the commission denied restoring Abure as the party’s chairman. She said this public disclaimer directly invalidates Abure’s recent assertions.

“This unambiguous disclaimer, issued in real-time and without delay, exposes the falsehoods and desperation that have continued to emanate from Mr. Abure and his collaborators,” Usman said.

Labour Party Not a Private Enterprise, Usman Warns
Senator Usman described Abure’s continued claim to the leadership as a “desperate move” lacking in moral credibility and contrary to the party’s democratic principles.

“The Labour Party is not a personal enterprise; it is a vehicle of democratic ideals, built and sustained by the collective will of the people,” she emphasized.

She urged members of the party, civil society, and the general public to disregard Abure’s claims, branding them fake news and a distraction from the party’s focus on transparency and justice.

Senator Usman reaffirmed her leadership and commitment to democratic values:

“As the Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, I reaffirm our commitment remains rooted in integrity, transparency, and the rule of law—not in brigandage or media stunts. The era of impunity is over. The Labour Party belongs to the people, not to a cabal.”

Conclusion
The leadership tussle in the Labour Party continues to deepen as the internal power struggle between Julius Abure and the newly recognized leadership under Nenadi Usman draws national attention. With INEC distancing itself from Abure, the spotlight is now on how the party reconciles its factions ahead of future elections.