In Sokoto, no fewer than 1,868 members of the APC have defected to the PDP, the state ruling party.
In a statement issued by the state PDP spokesman, Malam Hassan Sanyinnawal in Sokoto on Thursday, the defectors are businessmen from 10 communities across the state.
They were received by the state PDP Chairman, Alhaji Bello Goronyo in Sokoto on Wednesday.
Goronyo, represented by the party’s zonal Chairman, Sokoto Central, Alhaji Muhammad Dangoggo, assured the new entrants of equal treatment with other members of PDP.
The PDP Chairman promised to carry the new members along, while calling on them to use their wealth of experience in politics and business to ensure the success of the party at the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
The state PDP gubernatorial candidate, Malam Sa’idu Umar, also welcomed the new members, and promised to work closely with all of them toward the success of the party.
“Your decision has shown their collective zeal to support the good leadership style of Governor Aminu Tambuwal,” he said.
Lawali Lalala, who spoke on behalf of the defectors, said that their decision was as a result of their conviction about the development strive by the PDP-led government in the state.
He promised their total loyalty and support to the PDP and its leadership.
The APC leadership has been worried about the rate of defection in the party as preparation for the 2023 elections picks up momentum.