Over 150 PDP Christian Youth and Women Groups Defect to APC in Bauchi State
By Abubakar Hardawa
More than 150 executives from various amalgamated Christian youth and women groups of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deceit and injustice within their former party.
The coalition—comprising youth wings of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Christian Women Fellowship, and individuals from Bogoro and Tafawa Balewa local government areas—also declared their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
During a ceremony in Bauchi to welcome the defectors, the State Coordinator of the Coalition of APC Christians for Progress Support Groups, Mr. Godfrey Manasser, endorsed the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, for the state’s governorship race.
Manasser praised Tinubu’s economic policies, which he said increased Nigeria’s foreign reserves from $3 billion to $25 billion.
He also commended the federal government’s efforts in rehabilitating 880 Primary Health Care Centers and subsidizing medical bills at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.
The coalition, which has been active for over a decade, pledged to advocate for Christian inclusion, peaceful elections, and good governance across 19 northern states.
In a keynote address, Prof. Ali Pate, represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Rabiu Shehu Gamawa, urged the defectors to complete the necessary processes to become full-fledged APC members.
He assured them of inclusion in democratic benefits.
Meanwhile, CAN Youth Leader Linus Matthias called for empowerment programs and greater youth involvement in politics, urging Christian youths to be good ambassadors.
Mrs. Asabe Tula of the Christian Women Association encouraged women to vie for political offices in the 2027 elections.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Mr. Damina Moses Gagarau, Chairman of the group, cited injustice, deceit, and broken trust as their reasons for leaving the PDP.
He said the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders within and outside Bauchi State.
The event featured cultural performances by Sayawa and Tiv troupes, a cake-cutting ceremony, and the formal reception of the defectors, symbolizing unity and solidarity.
