The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost its last remaining seat in the Jigawa State House of Assembly following the defection of its Minority Leader and member representing Birnin Kudu Constituency, Hon. Kabiru Muhammad, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Hon. Muhammad formally announced his resignation from the PDP during Thursday’s plenary, attributing his decision to what he described as the impressive developmental achievements of Governor Umar Namadi’s administration over the past three years.

The lawmaker said his decision followed wide consultations with his family, political associates, friends and other stakeholders in his constituency.

According to him, his experience in the Assembly convinced him that the governor’s administration had demonstrated a commitment to the development of Jigawa State through people-oriented policies and legislation.

“Today, after spending three years in the PDP, I have decided to join the APC under the leadership of Governor Umar Namadi. My decision is based on the quality of leadership I have seen in the governor. As a member of the House, I have witnessed the passage of several bills aimed at promoting infrastructure and the overall development of the state,” he said.

He disclosed that about 1,000 of his supporters accompanied him to formally join the APC after endorsing his decision.

Reacting to the development, the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, welcomed the lawmaker to the APC, describing the defection as a wise and timely decision.

Dangyatin assured the defecting legislator of equal rights and privileges within the party, the Assembly and the state government.

Following the announcement, the Speaker, alongside other lawmakers, accompanied Hon. Muhammad to the Government House in Dutse, where he was officially received by Governor Umar Namadi.

Welcoming the lawmaker, Governor Namadi assured him of fairness, inclusiveness and equal treatment, stressing that the APC remained open to all individuals committed to the development of the state.

He noted that politics should serve as a platform for unity and collective progress rather than division.

“Our administration will continue to work with every well-meaning person who is willing to contribute to the growth and development of Jigawa State, irrespective of previous political affiliation,” the governor said in a statement posted on his official Facebook page.

He congratulated the lawmaker on his decision and expressed optimism that his defection would further strengthen the administration’s efforts to promote peace, unity and sustainable development across the state.

The latest defection has left the PDP without a single representative in the 30-member Jigawa State House of Assembly, effectively giving the APC total control of the legislature.

Hon. Muhammad’s exit comes months after Hon. Yahaya Zakari, who was elected on the PDP platform, also defected to the APC, further weakening the opposition party’s presence in the state legislature.