Alhaji Bashir Sa'idu, former Chief of Staff to ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Sa'idu, who is also a former Commissioner of Finance, joined the APC alongside thousands of his supporters. This move is seen as a significant boost to the APC's chances in the 2027 elections. Sa'idu has vowed to demonstrate his political influence and secure a total victory for the APC in 11 Local Government Areas in Zazzau Emirate.
Sa'idu made the pledge when Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs, Isa Lawal, visited him at his residence. He countered claims that he joined the APC without significant followers, saying he would show his political strength in the 11 local governments. Sa'idu expressed confidence that the APC would record a different result in Zaria Local Government during the coming elections, promising to surpass previous electoral records. He cited the party's chances of securing more votes in Zaria than those recorded for former President Muhammadu Buhari in previous elections.
According to Sa'idu, about 3,091 ADC members in Lere Local Government, who share his political views, are preparing to join the APC. He added that about 4,000 like-minded supporters were also present in some other local governments, saying their strength would become evident during elections. Sa'idu described his supporters as committed political followers, saying about 10,000 of them had already joined the APC with him. He emphasized that they would prove that Allah has endowed them with supporters who believe in them politically.
Sa'idu said he was also politically grounded in Igabi and Kaduna South Local Government Areas, in addition to Zaria Local Government. He disclosed that his supporters had been meeting to develop strategies and modalities aimed at securing victory for the APC in the coming elections. Sa'idu, however, said their political activities would not prevent the Kaduna State Government from developing its own plans ahead of the elections.
The defection of Sa'idu and his supporters is seen as a significant boost to the APC's chances in the 2027 elections. The APC is hoping to capitalize on Sa'idu's influence and popularity in the Zazzau Emirate to secure a victory in the 11 local governments. Sa'idu's move has also sparked reactions from other political parties, with some hailing his decision to join the APC.
Sa'idu's decision to defect to the APC was not unexpected, as there have been rumors of his impending move for several weeks. His defection has sparked speculation about the potential impact on the 2027 elections in Kaduna State. The APC is hoping that Sa'idu's influence will help them to secure a victory in the state.
The development has also raised questions about the future of the ADC in Kaduna State. The party has suffered a significant blow with the defection of Sa'idu and his supporters. The ADC will need to regroup and reassess its strategy if it hopes to remain a major player in the state's politics.
Key points
- Alhaji Bashir Sa'idu defects from ADC to APC, vowing to secure victory in 11 Kaduna LGs.
- Sa'idu claims 10,000 supporters have joined him in the APC.
- The defection is seen as a significant boost to the APC's chances in the 2027 elections.
