Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Sunday received prominent politicians from various opposition parties into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina State, declaring that the wave of defections reflects growing public confidence in the leadership of Governor Dikko Radda.

The high-profile reception took place at the People’s Square, Government House, Katsina, during the Vice-President’s one-day official visit to the state.

Addressing a large gathering of party supporters, Shettima described the influx of new members as a major boost for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, attributing the development to Governor Radda’s performance in office.

“Katsina is for Dikko Radda. It is not for anyone,” the Vice-President declared, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the Governor’s administration.

He commended Radda’s developmental strides, saying they had earned him the trust and confidence of the people.

“We are proud of you, Governor Radda,” Shettima said, while urging party members to remain united in advancing the objectives of the APC.

In his remarks, Radda described the latest defections as clear evidence of increasing confidence in the APC and its leadership across Katsina State.

He announced that the new entrants included former Secretary to the Katsina State Government and former APC governorship aspirant Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa; former House of Representatives members Aminu Chindo and Abdul-Aziz Dandume; former Local Government Chairman Bala Baure; former ADC legal adviser Barrister Auwalu; and Sallau Karawa, alongside other opposition leaders, serving lawmakers, and political stakeholders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC),, and Action Alliance.

Governor Radda said the defections would significantly strengthen the APC’s grassroots structure and position the party for victory in future elections.

He reaffirmed the party’s resolve to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and ensure electoral success for all APC candidates across the state.

The Governor also highlighted several ongoing Federal Government projects and interventions in Katsina, saying the collaboration between President Tinubu’s administration and the state government was accelerating infrastructure development, economic growth and programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.

Also speaking, Katsina APC Chairman Bashir Saulawa attributed the growing wave of defections to the achievements of the Radda administration, assuring the new members of equal opportunities and full integration into the party.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Mustapha Inuwa described his return to the APC as a homecoming and urged members to close ranks and work together to strengthen the party.

“We do not have time for anything that will undermine our collective interest. Our concern should be how to win elections and ensure the success of the APC,” Inuwa said.

He pledged his loyalty to Governor Radda and called on party members to remain united in consolidating the APC’s political dominance in Katsina State ahead of the 2027 general elections. (Channels)

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