Former Kaduna North Chairman Leads Mass Defection from APC Over Ideological Drift
Baloni, in a statement personally signed and distributed to the media, cited a “widening gap” between his political convictions and the party’s current direction as the reason for his departure
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Former Kaduna North Chairman Leads Mass Defection from APC Over Ideological Drift
In a major political shift in Kaduna State, former Chairman of Kaduna North Local Government Area, Mukhtar Lawal Baloni, has announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading several of his loyalists out of the party in protest over what he termed the APC’s deviation from its founding principles.
Baloni, in a statement personally signed and distributed to the media, cited a “widening gap” between his political convictions and the party’s current direction as the reason for his departure.
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“The party, as we used to know it, represented a platform that aspired to meet the yearnings of everyday Nigerians in a noble and qualitative manner,” Baloni said. “Today, that vision has faded, and what remains no longer reflects the ideals we once stood for.”
Among those who exited the party with Baloni are notable political figures in Kaduna North, including former Vice Chairman (2012–2014) Dahiru Abdullahi Maidace, his former Chief of Staff Ghali Mohammed Waziri, former special advisers, supervisory councillors, and several former elected councillors and ward executives.
The mass defection comes amid growing tensions within the APC in Kaduna, especially following the defection of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). El-Rufai is reportedly spearheading a coalition of opposition forces and is expected to officially join the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—a platform gaining momentum in Northern Nigeria.
Baloni, who once played a pivotal role in grassroots mobilization for the APC in Kaduna, ended his resignation with a call for a new political movement that upholds equity, justice, and people-centered governance.
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“What the people deserve is a political platform that is inclusive, transparent, and committed to real service. I am aligning myself with that vision moving forward,” he declared.
In response to the wave of defections, the Kaduna APC Publicity Secretary, Salisu Tanko Wusono, downplayed the significance of the exits.
“Our focus in the APC is to strengthen the relationship between the party and the people of Kaduna State. If someone feels their personal opinion no longer aligns with the people’s will, they are free to leave. That’s democracy,” Wusono said.
He also reaffirmed the ruling party’s commitment to fulfilling its campaign promises under Governor Uba Sani’s administration.
