A former Governor of Zamfara, Mamuda Shinkafi, on Sunday defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Shinkafi, who became the state governor in 2007 on the platform of All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and defected to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2008.
He however lost to the APC in 2011 and had since then remained in the opposition.
Shinkafi announced his decision to join the APC at a ceremony in Gusau, the state capital.
According to him, it is the outcome of a long negotiation between me and stakeholders who have faith in me and my leadership qualities.
He told all his supporters to join him as he strives to make the APC stronger.
Shinkafi said that after series of meetings with stakeholders, he had sincerely made up his mind to join the APC.
He also announced that all his former cabinet members, including his former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Mamman Bawa, had joined him in the APC.
Political watchers, however, said Shinkafi’s defection to the All Progressives Congress could be plan to re-elect him as governor in 2019.