By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
SOKOTO: The political landscape in Sokoto State received a fresh jolt on Friday as former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Babangida Kakaki, formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the developmental strides of Governor Ahmed Aliyu as a major reason for his decision.
Kakaki, a prominent public affairs commentator and political analyst, was formally received into the APC by the Sokoto State Chairman of the party, Alhaji Haruna Sarkin-Gobir Adiya, alongside other members of the state executive at a ceremony in Sokoto.
The defection, coming ahead of the 2027 general elections, is expected to further reshape the political configuration in the state, particularly as political parties intensify efforts to consolidate their structures and attract influential personalities across the political divide.
Welcoming the former PDP chieftain, Sarkin-Gobir Adiya described Kakaki’s entry into the APC as a “homecoming”, stressing that the party was delighted by the decision of the renowned commentator to join its ranks.
The APC chairman declared that the party remained open to members of opposition parties, particularly the PDP and African Democratic Congress (ADC), who were willing to identify with its programmes, principles and development agenda.
He said the APC remained the largest political platform in Africa and the dominant ruling party in both Sokoto State and Nigeria, assuring new entrants that they would be accorded equal treatment with existing members.
“APC is the largest party in Africa, the biggest and ruling party in Sokoto State and Nigeria, and we cheerfully welcome anybody who wants to come on board,” he said.
Sarkin Gobir Adiya further assured Kakaki that his political experience, public standing and contributions would be valued by the party, stressing that the APC would provide a level playing field for all members irrespective of when they joined the organisation.
“We will treat you and other people who may join the APC in due course as one because in APC, we are just and fair to all. You will be treated equally like other old members of the party, and we are confident that you will add great value to APC,” he said.
Speaking on the factors behind his defection, Kakaki said he was persuaded by what he described as the remarkable achievements of Governor Ahmed Aliyu across critical sectors of the state within his three years in office.
He specifically cited developments in Islamic religious affairs, rural and urban renewal, healthcare, education and water supply, arguing that the administration had demonstrated what he described as a strong commitment to improving the living conditions of residents across the state.
The former PDP spokesman also commended the governor for according security a central position in his administration, saying the protection of lives and property remained fundamental to sustainable development. He equally praised Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, the APC leader in Sokoto State, for providing what he described as strategic guidance and political stability to the party and the APC led administration, describing Wamakko as a reliable benefactor and father figure whose counsel had remained invaluable to him.
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