By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
Fresh cracks have emerged within the ruling All Progressives Congress in Katsina State following the defection of key party figures to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party over the controversial consensus arrangement adopted for the 2027 elections.
Former deputy speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Mr Tafoki, formally aligned with the PDP after reportedly failing to secure the APC consensus ticket.
The politician met with the PDP leader in the state, Yakubu Lado, on Friday where he presented his nomination forms “for blessing,” signalling his official movement into the opposition camp.
The development comes amid growing discontent within the APC after the party resolved to adopt a consensus method for selecting candidates for the 2027 general elections in the state — a decision that has triggered outrage among several aspirants and party loyalists.
To implement the arrangement, the APC constituted a high-powered consensus committee headed by former Katsina governor, Aminu Masari.
The committee also appointed Ibrahim Ida for the Central Senatorial District, Ibrahim Jukamshi for the South, and Ahmad Dangiwa for the North as coordinators overseeing the process across the senatorial zones.
However, the exercise has continued to generate backlash, with party members accusing the leadership of imposing candidates and sidelining grassroots contenders.
In another major blow to the APC, the party’s Central Zone Youth Leader, Ismail Yandaki, resigned from his position and defected to the PDP after allegedly failing to secure the ticket to contest for the Kaita State Assembly seat.
In his resignation letter addressed to the APC chairman in Yandaki Ward, the politician cited personal considerations for his decision.
“The decision comes after a period of personal reflection and consideration of my future direction and commitments. I deeply appreciated the experiences and trust bestowed upon me during my years of service to the party and in various capacities,” Mr Yandaki stated.
Sources within the party said several aggrieved aspirants have begun consultations with rival political parties following the consensus exercise, raising fears of wider defections that could weaken the APC’s structure ahead of the next election cycle.
PREMIUM TIMES also reported that Surajo Abduljabbar, another aspirant who sought the APC consensus ticket for the Bakori/Danja federal constituency seat, has equally dumped the ruling party for the PDP.
The latest defections underscore mounting tensions within the APC in Katsina, traditionally considered one of the party’s strongest northern strongholds. Political observers warn that if unresolved, the internal crisis could significantly reshape the political balance in the state before 2027.
The unrest follows reports that several aspirants defied the party leadership and proceeded to purchase nomination and expression of interest forms despite the consensus arrangement.
At least six out of the 15 serving House of Representatives members, alongside a senator and multiple State Assembly lawmakers, reportedly failed to secure the party’s endorsement for another term — a development that has intensified dissatisfaction within party ranks.
Analysts say the PDP could benefit from the wave of defections if it successfully consolidates disgruntled APC members into a united opposition bloc capable of challenging the ruling party in Katsina during the next general elections.
