In a significant political realignment, former Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mohamed Sani Sidi, has officially defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a major boost for the ruling party in Kaduna state.

The defection was formally announced at a high-profile event in Kaduna, where Governor Uba Sani, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajuddeen, and several top APC officials welcomed Sani Sidi and his thousands of supporters into the party.

Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Uba Sani described the day as “one of the happiest” in the history of the APC in Kaduna, emphasizing the political significance of Sani Sidi’s move.

“Whether we like it or not, Sani Sidi as we fondly call him is one of the leading political figures in our state,” the governor said. “He has paid his dues and made numerous contributions to the development of our state.”

Governor Sani stressed that Sidi’s decision to join the APC was not based on personal ambition but on a genuine desire to serve the people.

“He is someone who is extremely comfortable. He has enough for himself. But for him, politics is about people, development, our state, and our country,” he added.

Also speaking, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajuddeen praised the inclusive leadership of Governor Sani and emphasised the importance of national unity, noting that Sani Sidi’s defection is a reflection of the APC’s growing appeal across political divides.

In his defection speech, Sani Sidi said he was motivated by a shared vision of progress and sustainable development. 

“It is with a deep sense of humility, gratitude, and unwavering conviction that I stand before you today to announce my official defection to the APC a party I believe holds the promise of a better Kaduna State and a greater Nigeria,” he declared.

Sidi commended governor Sani for his developmental strides in infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, and security, noting that these efforts had “rekindled hope in the hearts of many citizens.” He also praised Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen for his legislative leadership and representation.

A seasoned public servant and humanitarian, Sidi recalled his service both at NEMA and as a former Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, affirming that his mission had always been “to uplift lives and empower our people.”

The former PDP stalwart revealed that after months of consultations with stakeholders across all 23 local government areas of Kaduna state, he and his followers concluded that the APC best aligned with their values and aspirations.

“We are here not merely as defectors, but as partners in progress,” he said.

He also announced the defection of key PDP figures, including two former state chairmen, a former secretary, and a former member of the State Assembly.

Sani Sidi pledged full loyalty to the APC and promised to work tirelessly with the party leadership to build a peaceful, united, and prosperous Kaduna State.