The internal crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State has worsened after 34 House of Assembly aspirants defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The development comes just days after disputed primary elections split the ADC into rival groups, with different factions laying claim to the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.

At the same time, reports indicate that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is making moves to bring former governorship aspirant Mustapha Inuwa back into its ranks.

According to the reports, top APC members have held separate meetings with Inuwa, a former Secretary to the Katsina State Government, as part of efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the next elections.

Inuwa, a founding member of the APC in Katsina, left the party after failing to secure its governorship ticket for the 2023 election. He later joined the PDP and served as campaign director for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in Katsina before moving to the ADC.

The report also stated that APC officials first sent Jabiru Tsauri, a former chief of staff to the governor, to meet Inuwa. Later, the deputy governor, Lawal Jobe, reportedly held another closed-door meeting with him, although details were not made public.

Meanwhile, the ADC continues to grapple with internal disagreements following its governorship primary, with rival groups challenging the emergence of Ahmed Kaita as the party’s candidate. Some aspirants alleged that the process lacked transparency and did not comply with electoral guidelines.

The crisis has created uncertainty within the party’s structure in the state.

On Tuesday, 34 House of Assembly aspirants from 18 local government areas officially joined the PDP. They said their decision was based on injustice, poor leadership and a lack of internal democracy within the ADC.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Ahmad Yusuf Jaguma said they had lost confidence in the party’s leadership.

“We thought deeply, and we found that PDP is the solution. We left a disorganised journey and returned to our original home,” he said.

He added that many of them had expected PDP leader Senator Yakubu Lado Danmarke to also join the ADC but changed their minds when that did not happen.

Welcoming the defectors, Katsina PDP chairperson Nuraddeen Kurfi said the party remained united and open to new members.

“You will have a full opportunity and justice in PDP. This party is home for everyone,” he said.

PDP governorship candidate Yakubu Danmarke also welcomed the new members and said more politicians were expected to join the party in the coming weeks.

Abia State Governor and national leader of the Labour Party, LP, Alex Otti, has called on all elected candidates of the party to work together, insisting that it is by doing so that the party will come out victorious in the 2027 general elections.

Otti, represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, made the call during the party’s National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

He hailed members of the party for the maturity they displayed throughout the primaries, adding that it is a testament to the growing strength and stability of the LP.

According to Otti, Nigerians are looking to the Labor Party for credible leadership, progressive governance and practical solutions to challenges facing the nation.

He said, “As we move forward, I strongly urge every successful candidate to immediately reach out to fellow aspirants and their supporters.

“Elections within the party should never create permanent divisions. The contest is over. The assignment has just begun. We must bring everyone to the table and harness the strength, experience, and networks of all those who participated in the process.

“I also encourage our candidates to work in close synergy with their constituents, federal constituencies, and senatorial districts. No candidates can achieve optimal success in isolation. We must run coordinated campaigns, share resources, mobilize our supporters collectively, and speak with one voice on issues that matter to our people.

“The 2027 general elections will not be won by individuals; they will be won by a united party, a disciplined structure, and a shared commitment to the aspiration of Nigerians, we must therefore put aside personal interest and focus on the bigger objectives of expanding the Labor Party’s presence in every level of governance.

“Our opponents will seek to exploit divisions among us. We must not give them the opportunity. Instead, let us present a united front, deepen our grassroots engagement, and continue to earn the trust of Nigerian people through our conduct, our message, and our performance.

“As leaders of this great movement, we have a historic responsibility to build a stronger Labor Party and offer Nigerians a credible alternative founded on competence, integrity, and service. I am confident that if we remain united, focused, and committed on our shared vision, victory will be ours in 2027.”