KADUNA — Former Vice President Namadi Sambo, who served under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has formally dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), ending months of speculation over his political future.
Sambo’s defection was confirmed on Wednesday during a brief ceremony at the Kaduna State Government House, where he was received by Governor Uba Sani and other top APC officials. The move is being seen as a significant shift in Northern political dynamics and a major blow to the PDP’s standing in the North-West ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Welcoming the former vice president, Governor Sani described Sambo’s entry into the APC as a “game-changer” for the party, particularly in Kaduna, where Sambo once served as governor before his elevation to the national stage.
In a short statement, Sambo explained that his decision was driven by shared values and vision with the APC. “APC’s vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria aligns with my aspirations for our great nation,” he said. “I believe in APC’s commitment to progress, and I am here to bring my experience to bear in supporting the party’s agenda.”
Sambo also reaffirmed his dedication to national unity, stating that it has always been his guiding principle in public service.
Reacting to the development, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido expressed disappointment and concern over what he described as a decline in political principles and literacy. In a scathing comment, Lamido questioned the rationale behind Sambo’s defection.
“If not disinformation or an AI-generated fabrication, then it shows the defecting politician does not know his class or standing in this country,” Lamido said. “You should ask him why he is jumping ship and what is pursuing him.”
Lamido, who served as the pioneer secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), argued that political choices should be guided by ideology and not convenience or personal gain.
Sambo’s defection adds to a growing wave of high-profile departures from the PDP, fueling concerns over the party’s internal cohesion and strength as it prepares for the next electoral cycle.
