Abdullahi Imrah, a councillorship candidate representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kafachan Ward B, located within Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, alongside Isah Chiroma, the chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Kaduna State, have officially defected from their respective political parties to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection comes at a crucial time, just days ahead of the Kaduna Local Government elections slated for Saturday, October 19, 2024. Reports suggest that both political figures made the decision to switch allegiance due to their appreciation of the development agenda driven by the APC in the region.
Isah Chiroma, during the APC’s campaign launch and presentation of the party’s flag to the councillorship candidates, expressed his admiration for the inclusive governance championed by Senator Uba Sani and the strides in infrastructural improvements made in Southern Kaduna. Chiroma noted that these advancements influenced his decision to not only defect to the APC but also actively contribute to furthering the state's progress under the party's leadership.
Similarly, Abdullahi Imrah, despite the proximity of the elections, made a public statement explaining his departure from the PDP. He emphasized that his switch to the APC was motivated by his desire to work with Peter Tanko, the APC’s chairmanship candidate for Ja'mma Local Government Council, to contribute meaningfully to the nation's collective progress. According to Imrah, the APC's policies and plans resonated more with his vision for community development and good governance.
In response to their defection, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, warmly welcomed both Chiroma and Imrah into the APC fold. She commended their decision to align with what she described as the "winning team" and assured them that they would be fully integrated into the party’s future plans and activities. Dr. Balarabe went on to urge other members of the APC to remain focused and committed during the forthcoming election, while maintaining peace and decorum throughout the electoral process.
Addressing the gathering, Peter Tanko Dogara, the APC’s chairmanship candidate for Ja’mma Local Government Council, expressed his excitement over the increasing support from various political actors and stakeholders. Dogara promised the residents of Jemaa that they would witness the positive impacts of democracy through good governance and transparent leadership, if the APC were to secure victory in the upcoming local government election.
“I have a lot of plans for the community,” Dogara said while addressing journalists. “The key issues concerning security, healthcare, investments, and empowerment are at the forefront of my agenda, as these are the primary concerns affecting the people in this community. These are the areas we are focusing on to bring real change,” he added.