*Makarfi says Nigerians now know difference is clear between PDP, APC
*Decampees say only PDP can rescue Nigeria
By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
In a move ahead of the 2027 general elections that would have impact on the results of the polls in the state and Nigeria, top executive of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) may have concluded plans to dump their base for the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Our correspondent gathered that after weeks of series of meetings between a national leader of the PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, the Kaduna State chairman of the NNPP, Alhaji Akilu Yahaya Kabo, State Secretary, Philip Ladan, other state executive and their supporters have concluded plans to join the PDP, barring any last minute change of plans.
Welcoming the NNNP exco at his residence on Sunday July 21, 2024, Senator Makarfi told them that he is glad they are joining the PDP family
He said Nigerians are seeing the difference between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) based on welfare of citizens, governance and the economy of the country.
Senator Makarfi told them that they are welcome to the PDP and each exco alongside their supporters should go and register to be members of the party in their respective wards.
He assured them that when arrangements are concluded, they would be welcomed officially to be party at a colourful ceremony.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the group, NNPP Kaduna State secretary, Philip Ladan said that they decided to dump the NNPP because it lacks the vision and capacity to rescue Nigeria from the present harsh economic realities.
He said that in view of that, all the state executive of the NNPP, local government exco and their supporters have decided to embrace the PDP.
As the preparations for their mass decamping reached its climax yesterday at the residence of Senator Makarfi, indications are rife that in days to come, the decampees will be officially welcomed to the PDP at a ceremony billed for Kaduna.
New Nigerian Newspapers further gathered from a reliable source that during the official ceremony welcoming them to PDP, exco from the 23 local government areas are expected to.mobilize all their supporters to the event which will bolster the main opposition PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Senator Makarfi who it is believed, wooed the decampees to the party, is the Secretary of Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP.
The astute politician, was a two term governor of Kaduna State from 1999 to 2007, whose impact is still felt all over the state as a result of massive infrastructural projects, especially at the grassroots.
He was also a Senator of the Federal Republic representing Kaduna North Senatorial District.
At a time PDP was almost collapsing, he stabilized the party from the claws of Senator Ali Modu Sherrif, whose tenure as national chairman caused a lot of set backs.