More than 2,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defectors were formally received on Tuesday by the state APC chairman, Abubakar Kana-Zuru, in Birnin Kebbi.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, the former PDP House of Assembly candidate, Arzika Lawal, said their decision was driven by Governor Nasir Idris’ giant strides in securing the locality.

“We are more than 2,000 PDP members leaving the party to join the APC in recognition of the Governor’s tireless efforts in bringing back a safe environment to Danko-Wasagu,” he said.

Mr Lawal praised the governor for facilitating the release of the students abducted from the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, describing his intervention as swift and compassionate.

He, however, appealed to the APC leadership to caution some aides of the governor, decrying that they were not reflecting the governor’s compassionate style of governance.

“Some of the governor’s aides are not following his footprints.

“They are not helping their people, and the party must bring them to order,” he said.

On her part, Binta Bena, a political singer, lauded the governor’s performance, saying that security in the area had significantly improved under his administration.

“The three years of Governor Idris have been more beneficial to the people of Kebbi than the eight years of the previous administration,” she opined.

Ms Bena added that the residents, who were hitherto living in fear, were now enjoying a 24-hour security surveillance following the permanent deployment of troops in strategic locations.

Receiving the defectors, Mr Kana-Zuru assured them of equal treatment within the party.

“The party has received you wholeheartedly.

”From today, you are like all other members of the APC.

“I have instructed party executives at the ward and local government levels to engage and consult with you in all party affairs,” he said.

Mr Kana-Zuru also highlighted Idris’ unwavering commitment to infrastructural development, particularly the ongoing construction of the Koko-Dabai federal road.

(NAN)