The high-stakes bye-election for the Kaura Namoda South State Constituency is thrown into fresh uncertainty following the defection.
The political landscape in Zamfara State was rocked Friday as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the forthcoming state House of Assembly bye-election officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The candidate, whose identity could not be confirmed at press time but was confirmed to be the PDP flag-bearer for the Kaura Namoda South State Constituency poll, announced his defection just days ahead of the supplementary election.
The defection follows the recently conducted by-election for the constituency, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared inconclusive due to cancelled results in two registration areas.
The candidate, who had secured the PDP ticket to contest the vacant legislative seat, cited internal party disputes and a commitment to the state’s unity as the reasons for his sudden switch. He reportedly issued a statement indicating his belief that his political aspirations could be better served under the leadership of the APC.
The defection hands a significant advantage to the APC in the highly competitive political climate of Zamfara, where the ruling PDP government is keen to retain all legislative seats.
The move has drawn criticism from the PDP leadership, who view the defection as a tactical maneuver ahead of the supplementary poll. The defector is expected to formally join the APC campaign ahead of the rescheduled election date.
