Supporters of former Sokoto State governor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, under the platform of the Bafarawa Akida Movement, have officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The defection was announced on Wednesday after a consultative meeting of elders and leaders of the movement drawn from all 23 local government areas of Sokoto State.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the movement’s chairman, Prof. Hamza Maishanu, said the decision followed wide-ranging consultations and represented the collective resolve of members.
He recalled that the group had earlier resigned from the PDP due to internal challenges but retained its political structures at ward, local government and state levels. According to him, the group later adopted the name Bafarawa Akida, meaning followers of Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa’s political ideology.
Maishanu explained that the name reflects their loyalty to Bafarawa’s core values of justice, integrity, transparency and people-centred governance, which he said defined his tenure as governor.
He added that recent political developments in the state prompted supporters to seek clarity on the movement’s direction, leading to the elders’ meeting where opinions were freely expressed.
“The elders were unanimous in their position,” he said, noting that the decision was influenced by the performance of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration and its respectful relationship with Bafarawa.
According to Maishanu, the elders resolved to align with the state government, a decision that culminated in the formal move to the APC.
“We are joining the APC as a political party and are prepared to work with the government to support its development agenda,” he stated.
He further disclosed that additional consultations would be carried out with other organs of the movement to formally communicate the decision and complete all necessary processes.
Maishanu dismissed claims that the defection was driven by 2027 political ambitions or pressure from national figures, insisting it was purely based on governance considerations in the state.
He also described the move as a return to familiar territory, pointing out that Bafarawa was a founding member of the APC and once chaired its Constitution Drafting Committee.
“This decision reflects the will of our supporters,” he said, stressing that the leadership was simply acting on their mandate.
Meanwhile, Bafarawa himself clarified that he remains retired from active politics and has not personally joined the APC. He said he only endorsed the choice of his supporters, affirming their right to political association.
“I have quit active politics,” he said. “I am not joining the APC, but my supporters are free to decide. I gave them my blessings after they consulted widely.”
He added that regardless of party affiliation, he would continue to support Governor Ahmed Aliyu, whom he described as respectful and deserving of support to succeed.
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