Fresh Defection Hits PDP as Bauchi Senator, Three Kaduna Reps Join APC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday suffered yet another major setback as Senator Samaila Dahuwa, representing Bauchi North Senatorial District, and three members of the House of Representatives from Kaduna State, formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement of Dahuwa’s defection was made on the floor of the Senate during plenary, marking another blow to the opposition party, which has faced a string of high-profile defections in recent months.

In a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Senator Dahuwa said his decision to quit the PDP was driven by what he described as “prolonged internal divisions, recurring factionalism, and a loss of strategic direction” within the party.

“As one deeply committed to the service of our nation and the welfare of my people, I have found it necessary to realign my political engagements with a more progressive platform — one that embodies good governance, unity, growth, and discipline,” he stated.

The senator, whose defection took effect on October 11, 2025, said his decision was based on conviction rather than convenience. He added that the PDP had strayed from the ideals of unity and progress that once defined it.

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Dahuwa openly declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, commending the administration’s “bold and transformative reforms” aimed at stabilising the economy and strengthening governance.

“These efforts reflect the decisive leadership our country needs,” he said. “The president’s policies align with my legislative ideals and my personal convictions about Nigeria’s development and democratic progress.”

The Bauchi senator also praised Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his “exemplary leadership” in steering the affairs of the 10th Senate, which he said had fostered unity across political divides.

“The Senate under Akpabio has shown maturity and purpose, attracting lawmakers from different backgrounds to the APC because of its vision and discipline,” Dahuwa said.

The announcement stirred mixed emotions in the Senate chamber. While APC senators applauded the defection and described it as a vote of confidence in the Tinubu administration, opposition members maintained silence, refusing to comment publicly on what it means for the PDP’s strength in the upper chamber.

In his response, Senate President Akpabio congratulated Dahuwa on his defection and urged APC members to welcome him warmly.

“On behalf of the APC family in the Senate, we welcome you, Senator Dahuwa. Your decision is a testament to the leadership and vision of our great party under President Bola Tinubu,” Akpabio said.

Three Kaduna lawmakers defect in House of Reps

The defection wave also swept through the House of Representatives, where three PDP members from Kaduna State formally joined the ruling APC.

They are Hon. Abdulkarim Ahmed (Kaduna South Federal Constituency), Hon. Aliyu Abdullahi (Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituency), and Hon. Sadiq Abdullahi (Sabon Gari Federal Constituency).

Their letters of defection were read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen during Tuesday’s plenary session.

The lawmakers, in separate letters, cited the “lingering crisis within the PDP” and the interest of their constituents as reasons for dumping the opposition party.

In a show of solidarity, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, himself a former lawmaker, made a surprise appearance in the House chamber to witness the defection of the three lawmakers to the APC.

Defections deepen PDP’s internal troubles

The latest defections further highlight the internal strife and leadership crisis plaguing the PDP since the 2023 general elections. The opposition party has lost several key figures, including governors, senators, and members of the National Assembly, to the ruling APC in recent months.