By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A multi-billion naira largesse has been reported to have been shared during the recent mass defection of prominent Southern Kaduna politicians and others to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State.
Although the exact amount of the funds remains unclear, multiple anonymous sources have revealed to our correspondent that the distribution was linked to the presidency’s effort to appreciate and encourage the defectors. The process was reportedly conducted with little transparency, and the breakdown of the amounts circulating includes N2 billion for ex-Senators, N2 billion for a defector from Kaduna North, and N700 million and N300 million for other prominent defectors from the Southern Kaduna zone, including former Senators and State House of Assembly members.
Efforts to verify these claims with the party leadership were unsuccessful, as APC state chairman, retired Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada, declined to comment. He stated that he was out of the state, attending a meeting in Abuja. “Sorry, I could not respond to your earlier text because I am not in Kaduna but in Abuja. To the best of my knowledge, I am not aware of what you are saying nor do I know anything about it,” he said. He also added, “The Governor did not use the party platform in that defection exercise, but set up a committee to handle it.”
When asked about the source of the funds and whether it came from the presidency, Jekada responded, “Well, I am not involved in things like that because that’s not my way of doing things.”
Earlier reports suggested that N2 billion, N1 billion, N700 million, and N300 million were among the amounts allegedly shared during the defections. Most of the defectors are from the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and a few other smaller parties, particularly in Southern Kaduna.
Governor Uba Sani’s Comments on the Mass Defection
The defectors, including 21 prominent politicians from Southern Kaduna, were received by Governor Uba Sani at a ceremony where he celebrated the APC’s growing influence in the region. He emphasized that the region, historically a stronghold for the PDP, was now shifting toward APC due to his administration’s focus on justice and governance.
“The APC is now taking over Southern Kaduna because my administration is anchored on justice. I am abiding by the oath of my office by being just to every segment of Kaduna State, irrespective of party affiliation or ethno-religious background,” the governor stated.
He also mentioned that after elections, politics should take a backseat and governance should take center stage, a principle he deemed as the hallmark of leadership. Governor Sani stressed that the focus of his administration was on promoting peaceful coexistence, which he argued is essential for development.
Federal Support and Future Projects
Governor Sani revealed that President Bola Tinubu is pleased with the developments in Kaduna State and is keen on making it a model for peaceful coexistence. As a result, the state has received federal backing for several projects. He announced that the Kaduna Light Rail project and the Kwoi-Kafanchan road would be included in the 2025 federal budget, citing President Tinubu’s support for the state’s initiatives.
He also mentioned that the federal government has approved the establishment of a federal university and appointed Southerners to key positions, further demonstrating the administration’s commitment to equitable representation.
