…the PDP reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the mandate given to its elected representatives and emphasised that it remains deeply rooted in Southern Kaduna.
KADUNA – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in Kaduna South Senatorial Zone have dismissed rumours of planned defections by some of their elected representatives, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the claims to sow division and weaken the opposition.
In a statement issued on Sunday following their meeting, the PDP Zonal Chairman, Hon. Akuso Yusuf Danjuma, stated that the rumours were designed to cause anxiety among party members and create confusion within the ranks of the opposition.
The zonal chairman accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of employing “desperate tactics” to manipulate public perception and undermine the PDP’s leadership in the zone.
“The meeting expressed deep concern over the desperate tactics being employed by the APC, aimed at sowing confusion and mistrust within our ranks,” the statement read. “They are attempting to manipulate public perception, isolate our leaders from their constituents, and create a false narrative to justify their planned absorption into the APC.”
Hon. Danjuma urged party members and supporters to remain vigilant and not to fall for what he called “manufactured narratives” aimed at weakening the PDP’s stronghold in Southern Kaduna.
“We remain resolute. We will not be intimidated or coerced into submission that is against our identity and collective patrimony,” he stated.
The statement also alleged ongoing intimidation and harassment of key PDP figures by the ruling APC, describing the strategy as a form of political bullying.
Despite these challenges, the PDP reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the mandate given to its elected representatives and emphasised that it remains deeply rooted in Southern Kaduna.
“We remain the people’s party, their most trusted and preferred political choice. No amount of political theatrics or manufactured narratives by the APC can change this truth,” the statement concluded.
Hon Edward Masha, state party chairman, Hon Felix Hassan Hyet, former minister of Aviation, Hon Gideon Gwani, former member of the House of Representatives (Kaura) and Hon David Gurara, former member of the House of Representatives (Kachia/Kagarko), among others, were at the meeting.
The reaffirmation of unity comes amid growing political tension in Kaduna State, where party loyalties and defections are shaping the dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Last week, rumours of the defection of a PDP member in the House of Representatives, Hon. Amos Daniel (Jema’a/Sanga), circulated widely, fueling anxiety within the party.
However, the lawmaker promptly issued a personally signed statement assuring constituents that any decision regarding his political future would involve their input.
Similarly, the Senator representing Kaduna South, Sunday Marshall Katung, has also faced speculation over a possible defection to the APC. His media aide, Midat Joseph, publicly debunked the rumour days ago.
Nonetheless, groups have continued to call on him to cross over to the ruling party, citing political expediency as their reason.
In recent years, the PDP has suffered notable losses in Zone 3, with several elected representatives at both the state and national levels defecting to the APC.
Back in February, PDP spokesperson in Kaduna State, Maria Dogo, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare vacant the seats of three members of the State House of Assembly and one member of the House of Representatives who had defected, citing sections 68(1)(g) and 109 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The coming months may prove crucial in determining the strength and cohesion of the PDP in its traditional strongholds.
KadunaNews24.com
Leave a Reply