No fewer than 1,500 members of the Peoples Democratic Party from the Zuru Emirate have defected to the All Progressives Congress in Kebbi State.

According to the party leader, the development is a major political shift ahead of future elections.

The defectors were received on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi by the State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru.

Kana-Zuru stated that Governor Nasir Idris’ performance made the decision inevitable.

“Even if His Excellency had only constructed the Koko–Dabai–Zuru road, it would have been enough for the people of Zuru Emirate to return him for a second term,” Kana-Zuru said.

He noted that the governor’s impact is not limited to the road projects, listing renovated hospitals, primary healthcare centres, schools, and other infrastructure across the state as evidence of a government focused on development.

He assured the new members that they would enjoy equal treatment within the party.

“Whatever we do as a party, we will involve everybody, new or old. Feel at home — you have made the right choice,” he told the defectors.

One of the frontline defectors, Alhaji Lawali Riba, a former PDP House of Assembly candidate, said he left the opposition because Governor Idris had proven to be “a courageous and result-driven leader.”

“The rescue of the abducted schoolgirls of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, showed coordinated action between the state, federal government and security agencies. Kaura deserves special commendation,” he said.

Arzika Riba, however, criticised some aides of the governor for allegedly failing to match his pace and commitment, urging them to do more to support the administration.

Also speaking, two female defectors from Danko-Wasagu LGA, Binta Bena and Hajiya Maryam, said the PDP had lost its footing in the area.

“Our decision is based on the exemplary leadership of Comrade Dr Nasir Idris. Danko-Wasagu is fully APC now. We will deliver block votes,” they said.

The mass defection is seen as another boost for the APC as political realignments intensify across Kebbi State.