Shettima Welcomes Opposition Leaders into APC in Katsina

Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Sunday received prominent politicians from opposition parties who defected to the All Progressives Congress in Katsina State.

The reception took place at the People’s Square, Government House, Katsina, during Shettima’s one-day official visit to the state.

Speaking to party supporters, Shettima described the influx of new members as a boost for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He attributed the defections to what he described as growing confidence in the leadership of Governor Dikko Radda.

“Katsina is for Dikko Radda. It is not for anyone,” the Vice-President declared.

Shettima also reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s support for Radda’s administration and commended what he described as the governor’s developmental achievements.

“We are proud of you, Governor Radda,” he said, while urging APC members to remain united.

Who defected to APC in Katsina?

Radda said the latest defections reflected what he described as growing support for the APC across Katsina State.

Among those who joined the party were former Secretary to the Katsina State Government and former APC governorship aspirant Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa; former House of Representatives members Aminu Chindo and Abdul-Aziz Dandume; and former Local Government Chairman Bala Baure.

Others included former ADC legal adviser, Barrister Auwalu, and Sallau Karawa, alongside other opposition leaders, serving lawmakers and political stakeholders from the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress and Action Alliance.

Radda said the new members would strengthen the APC’s grassroots structure in the state.

He also reaffirmed the party’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid and pledged to work towards the success of APC candidates in Katsina.

The governor highlighted several ongoing Nigerian Government projects and interventions in the state, saying cooperation between the Tinubu administration and his government was supporting infrastructure development, economic activity and welfare programmes.

Defectors pledge support for APC

Katsina APC Chairman Bashir Saulawa attributed the defections to the achievements of the Radda administration.

He assured the new members that they would be given equal opportunities and fully integrated into the party.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Inuwa described his return to the APC as a “homecoming”.

He urged party members to work together and focus on strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We do not have time for anything that will undermine our collective interest. Our concern should be how to win elections and ensure the success of the APC,” Inuwa said.

He pledged his support for Governor Radda and called on APC members to remain united ahead of the 2027 general elections.