A former senator representing Sokoto East, Abubakar Gada, has formally defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing the imperative of rebuilding a more cohesive and people-focused political structure in the state.
Gada, a key figure in the ADC coalition in Sokoto, announced his decision at the conclusion of a consultative meeting with political stakeholders in the state. He said the move followed deep reflection on prevailing political realities and extensive engagements with allies, grassroots leaders and opinion shapers across Sokoto.
The former lawmaker, who served in the Senate between 2007 and 2011 on the platform of the PDP, joined the ADC in 2025 and was instrumental in establishing the coalition’s presence in the state. According to him, the decision to return to his former party was not taken lightly, given his substantial investment in the ADC project.
He said he played a leading role in the conception and promotion of the coalition in Sokoto, deploying time, energy and political capital to build what was envisaged as a credible alternative platform driven by popular aspirations. He added that modern communication tools and social media were leveraged to broaden participation and awareness, including facilitating high-level engagements with national figures and stakeholders.
However, Gada noted that unfolding events exposed fundamental weaknesses within the coalition, particularly in terms of internal cohesion, strategic direction and leadership commitment. These shortcomings, he said, undermined the capacity of the ADC to meet the expectations of the people and respond effectively to the state’s political challenges.
Against this backdrop, he said consultations across the state pointed to the need for a more structured and credible platform. “I have decided to formally realign with the PDP, which I consider better positioned, in its organisation and reach, to advance the collective aspirations of the people of Sokoto State,” he said.
Gada explained that his return to the PDP was anchored on a series of town hall meetings, grassroots consultations and high-level political interactions aimed at restoring unity, strengthening coordination and rebuilding public confidence in the party ahead of future electoral contests.
He reassured the people of Sokoto of his commitment to inclusive leadership, grassroots empowerment and constructive political engagement, pledging to work with stakeholders to promote good governance, sustainable development and shared prosperity.
Participants at the meeting, including Alhaji Hamza Gatawa, Hajiya Maryam Gade and Alhaji Tambari Tambuwal, who spoke on behalf of others, commended Gada’s decision, describing it as a courageous step towards strengthening a viable political movement capable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
