Kebbi’s political map shifted on Tuesday as Alhaji Lawali Dakingari, a prominent PDP chieftain and former governorship aspirant, led a massive wave of defections.
The defection included 2,208 delegates from polling units across Suru Local Government Area from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
The move marks one of the largest single defections in Kebbi in recent months and underscores the increasingly fluid political alliances as parties manoeuvre ahead of future election cycles.
The defectors were received at the government house, Birnin Kebbi, by Governor Nasir Idris, alongside APC leaders and representatives from all 21 local government areas of the state.
Suru LG and the wider Dakingari political structure have traditionally been key assets to both PDP and APC in Kebbi, especially since the era of ex- Governor Sa’idu Dakingari (2007–2015).
PDP once dominated the zone, but its influence has waned following APC’s consolidation of power in the state and internal PDP disputes after the 2023 elections.
Speaking at the event, Lawali Dakingari said the mass switch to the APC was done “in good faith” and without conditions, crediting the leadership style of Governor Idris and the political legacy of former Governor Dakingari.
“We joined the APC because we believe in sincerity, justice and unity,” he said, noting that members of the ADC and long-standing PDP loyalists dating back to 1999 were part of the wave.
He disclosed that more defections are expected in the coming days, including former local government chairmen and other political stakeholders who could not attend due to short notice, signalling continued realignments within Kebbi’s opposition space.
APC State Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru, described the development as a “major numerical boost” for the party, urging both new and old members to prioritise party registration and voter mobilisation ahead of future elections.
Governor Idris thanked the defectors, saying the influx reflects shared goals and growing alignment across Suru and beyond.
“Today we are one family. By the grace of Allah, we will continue to work together to deepen peace, strengthen security and deliver more dividends of democracy,” he said.
