The recent mass defection of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, led by chairmanship aspirant Rabiu Saba and incumbent Kutunku Ward councillor Murtala Hassan, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked controversy, with questions raised over misrepresentation and disregard for defectors’ identities.
While the APC formally welcomed the new members in a ceremony attended by top party stakeholders—including APC state chairman Abdulmalik Usman, outgoing council chairman Abubakar Jibrin Giri, and party chairmanship candidate Usman Yahaya—critics argue that the event glossed over key details about the defectors.
Local activist Amos Kutunku took to Facebook, expressing his anger over the apparent omission of several defectors’ names and the misallocation of wards. In a post that has since gone viral, Kutunku wrote:
“Which one is Sidi Sidi and Dogo Dogo again, and all of them from Central FA? A very disrespectful attitude. Even my brother is now listed under Central Ward, not Kutunku Ward. Some friends and brothers who defected were not captured at all. Does it mean they are irrelevant? The APC should have asked us; we could have given their names for proper captioning. This expensive joke—has the election turned comedy?”
His remarks highlight growing dissatisfaction among grassroots supporters who feel marginalized and overlooked in the party’s preparations ahead of the February 21, 2026 council elections.
The defection, described by APC officials as a “timely and strategic decision,” was celebrated as a sign of confidence in the outgoing APC-led administration’s achievements. Rabiu Saba insisted that the move was inspired by a desire to support continued growth and development across Gwagwalada Area Council.
However, the controversy surrounding inaccurate reporting of defectors’ identities threatens to overshadow the intended political message, raising questions about internal party coordination and respect for local stakeholders.
As the council elections draw nearer, party leaders will face the challenge of reconciling official narratives with grassroots grievances to avoid further backlash.