Defection Talks with Former President Jonathan
A stalwart of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State, Dr Mustapha Inuwa, has disclosed he recently held talks with former President Goodluck Jonathan on his possible defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Inuwa made this known during the weekend while addressing his supporters at his office in the state metropolitan area.
He spoke against the backdrop of ongoing political consultations and internal party disagreements following the ADC governorship primary in the state, which some stakeholders have described as contentious. He said the talks, which he described as a strategic political consultation, were held with the acting National Chairman of the PDP, Dr Tanimu Turaki, in attendance.
Inuwa's Political Stature and Influence
Inuwa, who was Secretary to the Government (SGS) of the state during former governor Aminu Bello Masari’s tenure, is adjudged to be amongst the most formidable politicians in the state. Apart from being the brain behind Masari’s emergence as governor, Inuwa also helped former Vice President Atiku Abubakar win more votes than President Bola Tinubu during the last presidential election in the state.
At least four political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), have tried to woo him to their side ahead of the general elections, while his possible defection is said to have raised concerns within the ADC in the state.
Details of the Meeting
Inuwa said the discussions with the key PDP figures included an invitation for him and his supporters to consider returning to the party in order to strengthen its structure in the state and the wider North-West region. He further disclosed that during his engagement with former President Jonathan, the ex-leader expressed readiness to contest the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the PDP.
“We met with Goodluck Jonathan and Dr. Tanimu Turaki, and they appealed to us to support their political ambition as they prepare for the 2027 elections,” he said.
No Final Decision Yet
However, Inuwa reiterated that he has not taken any final decision regarding a possible return to the PDP, but added that he would first consult widely with his supporters and other political stakeholders before making his position public. According to him, “I cannot take this decision alone. I must consult my supporters and key stakeholders so that we arrive at a collective and informed decision.”
Internal Crises in ADC
On the internal crises within the ADC, Inuwa lamented that he is still not aware of who the party’s governorship candidate in the state would be, as the party currently has two factions with both having separate gubernatorial candidates. He, however, left open the possibility of continued engagement with the ADC, stressing the need for internal reconciliation, credible primaries, and transparent decision-making processes within the party.
