Just In: Shehu Sani, Hunkuyi, Others Return To APC In Kaduna

In a significant political development, former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani and ex-Governor of Kaduna State Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero have rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside other notable defectors. The political figures, who previously aligned with opposition parties, made their return official at a grand reception held in Kaduna on Saturday.

The state governor, Uba Sani, welcomed the defectors at Murtala Square in the state capital, assuring them of equal rights and privileges within the party. Addressing a massive gathering of APC supporters, Governor Sani emphasized that every member, whether new or old, would be treated the same within the party’s structure.

“Someone who joins APC today and the one who has been a foundation member ten years ago, they are of the same status. They will enjoy the same rights and privileges,” the governor affirmed.

He further encouraged the new entrants to mobilize their supporters, emphasizing that the APC remains open to more defectors. Governor Sani attributed the party’s growing popularity and acceptance to its commitment to just leadership at both state and national levels.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the governor expressed confidence in the APC’s victory across all levels. “In the 2027 election, the electorate will vote for APC in all the elections, from top to bottom. At the top, our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will be elected. At the state level, the party will be voted for at the gubernatorial, National and State Assembly elections, by the grace of God,” he stated.

Governor Sani also reiterated his administration’s commitment to governance beyond party lines, promising infrastructural development across Kaduna State without bias towards political affiliations or ethno-religious considerations. “Politics is different from governance. We will be fair to all, whether or not they voted for us, because that is the oath of office that we swore to uphold as leaders,” he declared.

The defectors include prominent political figures such as Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, the New Nigeria Peoples Party’s gubernatorial candidate in the last election; Senator Danjuma Laah, former PDP senator for Zone Three; Alhaji Sani Shaaban, former gubernatorial candidate of the Action Democratic Party; Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, former National Organising Secretary of the PDP; and Ambassador Sule Buba, Nigeria’s former envoy to South Korea.

This wave of defections marks a significant boost for the APC in Kaduna State and strengthens the party’s position ahead of the next electoral cycle.