A former Labour Party candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency seat in Kaduna State, Hon. Adekunla A.O, has defected to Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adekunla, who contested the recent by-election under the Labour Party, formally joined the APC at a ceremony held at the Yelwa Ward party office in Ungwan Yelwa, Kaduna. He was received by party members and supporters who gathered to welcome him into the party.
Speaking at the event, Alhaji Nasiru Mai Kaza, head of chairman for Chikun Local Government wards from Kakau Ward, described the defection as significant for the party’s growth in the area. He said the APC was witnessing renewed expansion under the leadership of Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.
He contrasted the current administration with that of former governor Nasiru El-Rufai, noting that past misunderstandings had given way to what he described as increased unity and membership drive.
Engr Nuhu Simon Yashim, state chairman of the Uba Salama Support Group and an aspirant for APC state chairman in the forthcoming state congress, urged young people to support the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. He commended Mr Adekunla’s decision, saying it would further strengthen the APC in the constituency.
In his remarks, Mr Adekunla said his decision to leave the Labour Party followed the 2025 by-election. He pledged to work for unity within the APC and expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in the 2027 elections.
He also praised the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, saying their administrations influenced his decision to join the APC. Mr Adekunla said he would contribute his experience in leadership and governance to promote peace and development at ward, local government, state and federal levels.
At the close of the ceremony, he was presented with the APC constitution by the Yelwa Ward women leader of the party’s central working committee. Former party executives and supporters delivered goodwill messages to mark his defection.