Two chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Abubakar Attajiri and Aminu Gidan-Kanawa made the switch ahead of the 2027 general elections. Attajiri was the ADC State Deputy Youth Leader. They were received alongside their supporters by the APC State Chairman, Haruna Adiya. The reception held on Saturday at the party’s headquarters in Sokoto.
Sokoto is an APC stronghold. The party has controlled the state since 2015. Senator Aliyu Wamakko is the dominant political figure. His influence extends across the state. The ADC is a smaller party. It has gained prominence nationally through Atiku Abubakar’s presidential candidacy. But in Sokoto, it lacks structure. Defections from smaller parties to the APC are common. They signal the ruling party’s dominance. They also weaken the opposition ahead of elections.
Adiya welcomed the defectors. He assured them of equal treatment. He said the APC remains united in the state. He expressed confidence in the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Ahmed Aliyu and Senator Wamakko. “APC candidates will emerge victorious at all levels during the forthcoming general elections,” he said.
The defectors cited Governor Aliyu’s achievements. They praised Wamakko’s leadership. They pledged to work for APC candidates. “We will leave no stone unturned in supporting the people-oriented policies and programmes of Gov. Aliyu, President Tinubu and other APC candidates,” they said.
The defection is a minor political event. Two youth leaders are not game-changers. But it feeds a narrative. The APC is consolidating. The opposition is fragmenting. In Sokoto, the ADC had little presence. Its national ambitions depend on Atiku. His coattails are not long enough to build state structures. The APC benefits from incumbency and Wamakko’s machine.
The 2027 election will test the APC’s dominance. Sokoto voters have supported the party consistently. Defections reinforce that pattern. They do not change it.
Winners: The APC, which gains defectors. Adiya, who demonstrates leadership. Aliyu and Wamakko, whose influence is affirmed. Losers: The ADC, which loses members. Atiku, whose party structure weakens. The opposition, which fragments further. The defectors, if they are not rewarded.
Bottom Line: Two ADC chieftains joined the APC. The defection is small. It signals the APC’s dominance in Sokoto. The opposition must build, not just defect.