Mass defections rock PDP in Gombe, Borno, as ADC takes over

Mass defections have rocked the Peoples Democratic Party in Borno and Gombe states in favour of the adopted coalition African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In Gombe, the defections were announced during an expanded caucus meeting of the coalition on Tuesday. It was attended by officials of the ADC and prominent members of the PDP and other opposition parties who moved en masse into the coalition.

Earlier, the PDP secretariat in many of the wards in Gombe was decorated with ADC flags and banners.

Speaking at the event, a former minister and leader of the coalition in the state, Idris Umar, said that the alliance by opposition parties in the ADC is not aimed at ousting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from power but rather “to salvage the nation and its citizens from the current socio-economic woes”.

He urged the electorate to act wisely in the next elections, noting that they are the ultimate judges between the ruling party and the opposition.

The former minister also announced plans by the ADC to commence registration of members in the 114 wards of the state, aimed at expanding the party’s membership and reach.

He stated that the party is open to everyone, regardless of their background or political affiliation.

Earlier in his address, the state chairman of the party, Auwal Barde, extended a warm welcome to new entrants into the party, assuring them of a warm reception and opportunities to contribute to the party’s victory in the next elections.

He emphasised the need for a change in power at both the state and federal levels, citing the current challenges facing the state and the nation.

In Borno State, Mattawali Kashim Ibrahim Imam, a former PDP Governorship candidate, Alh. Idris Mamman Durkwa, a former Governorship aspirant also and Hon. Sheriff Banki, a youth mobiliser and stakeholder, have since taken the lead of joining the ADC.

In Durkwa, a retired federal civil servant turned politician who stormed Maiduguri last week was leading the massive defections in the state, as many people from different opposition parties, including the ruling APC, have started tendering their resignation to their ward chairmen.

Among them are Hon. Mohammed Umara Kumalia, former House minority leader and Governorship aspirant and 2023 Borno Central Senatorial Candidate on the platform of the PDP.

Others are, Alh. Saleh Kida, PDP 2023 Deputy Governorship candidate, Alh. Ali Wurge, former PDP national treasurer, Hon. Babakura Abba Yusuf, 2023 House of Representative candidate in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, MMC, Hon. Abdulrazaq Ahmed Zanna, 2023 PDP candidate for Bama, Ngala, Kala Balge federal constituency and other House of Representative candidates.

Also on the list of early defectors are Hon. Maina Justice, who is a leader of stakeholders in Jere local government area, Hon. Fali Wubulari, former House of Assembly member (Askira Uba LGA state constituency) and many Candidates in the opposition parties for House of Assembly in all the 27 local government areas.

Also, Isa Lawan Kangar, Borno North 2023 Senatorial candidate, all Ward and local Government party executives, 95% opposition Party stakeholders with their former party executives at state, local Government and ward levels have equally jumped ship to the ADC.