A leading All Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition stalwart in Sokoto State, Sen. Abubakar Gada, has defected back to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing the need to reclaim and rebuild the party in the state.
Gada announced his return to the PDP at the end of a consultative meeting held in Sokoto.
The former senator, who represented Sokoto East Senatorial District from 2007 to 2011 under the PDP, joined the ADC coalition in 2025 and played a key role in its formation and growth in the state.
“I have played a leading and instrumental role in the conception, promotion and stabilisation of the ADC coalition movement in Sokoto State. I invested considerable time, energy and political capital in building what was envisioned as a credible political alternative driven by the collective aspirations of the people,” Gada said.
He noted that he leveraged modern communication tools and social media platforms to expand awareness and participation in the coalition, adding that he facilitated the visit of the Northwest coalition representative, Malam Nasiru El-Rufa’i, to Sokoto to engage with political stakeholders.
Gada, however, explained that unfolding political realities exposed serious structural and leadership challenges within the ADC coalition, including weak cohesion, lack of strategic clarity and poor commitment at critical leadership levels.
According to him, after extensive consultations with political allies, stakeholders and grassroots leaders, he decided to withdraw from the coalition.
“I formally align with the PDP, a platform I consider more structured, credible and people-oriented for advancing the collective aspirations of Sokoto State,” he said.
He added that the decision followed statewide town hall engagements, grassroots consultations and high-level political interactions aimed at strengthening unity, coordination and public confidence in the PDP.
Gada reassured the people of Sokoto State of his commitment to inclusive leadership, grassroots empowerment, constructive political engagement and the pursuit of good governance.
He pledged to work with others toward unity, sustainable development and shared prosperity.
Speaking on behalf of participants, Alhaji Hamza Gatawa, Hajiya Maryam Gade and Alhaji Tambari Tambuwal commended Gada’s courage, describing his return to the PDP as a boost to a viable political movement aimed at rescuing Nigeria from its challenges.