Senator Sunday Katung, who represents the Kaduna South Senatorial District, has officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement personally signed and released on Saturday, Senator Katung explained that his decision to leave the PDP was driven by a sincere commitment to better serve the interests of his constituents. He emphasized that his move was motivated by the need to align with a platform that, in his view, would allow him to deliver more effective representation and development to the people of Kaduna South.
His defection marks a significant political shift in Kaduna’s political landscape, especially given his long-standing association with the PDP. Katung, a lawyer and experienced lawmaker, has been an influential figure within the party and a vocal advocate on legislative issues affecting southern Kaduna.
The announcement of his defection came less than 24 hours after the Federal High Court in Abuja halted the PDP’s planned 2025 national convention, ruling that the party had failed to comply with legal and procedural requirements. The timing of Katung’s move has fueled speculation about deeper divisions within the opposition party as it grapples with internal leadership and structural challenges.
Political observers suggest that Katung’s exit may signal a broader realignment within the PDP, particularly in northern states, where several members have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s internal administration and strategic direction.
READ FULL STATEMENT BELOW:
A New Chapter: A Message of Unity and Purpose
Dear Friends and Political Associates,
The past few weeks have been incredibly demanding yet profoundly reflective moments of my public life. During this period, I have engaged in deep consultations with constituents, critical stakeholders, family members, friends, and political associates regarding a most difficult—but ultimately necessary—decision: my decision to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
If I have not been able to meet with you personally, please understand that this in no way diminishes your importance or value to me. The sheer breadth of this engagement has made it humanly impossible to have one-on-one conversations with everyone. I sincerely apologize for that and appeal for your understanding and continued trust as we move forward together.
This realignment is driven by a genuine desire to serve our people more effectively and ensure that our voices are heard and respected at the highest decision-making tables where the destinies of our communities are being shaped. It is also a direct response to the clarion call from various segments of our constituency urging us to consider this move, especially given the special interest that both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani have shown in collaborating with us to bring about phenomenal and epoch-making development.
I am fully convinced—and my dear brother, Hon. Daniel Amos, along with our colleagues in the Kaduna State House of Assembly who are making this journey with us, share in this conviction—that the APC’s developmental footprints across our senatorial district since the inception of its current administrations at state and federal levels clearly reflect a genuine commitment to inclusion, equity, and progress.
The era of marginalization and exclusion, particularly in our recent past, is being replaced with purposeful governance and partnership. We are moving, therefore, to ensure that these gains are not only sustained but replicated in many more communities in the zone.
As I have often remarked, politics is dynamic, and political alignments may shift from time to time. Yet, our shared vision, our bond of brotherhood, and our commitment to uplifting the lives of our people must remain permanent. While politics sometimes divides friends or strains relationships, I sincerely appeal to all friends, family members, and associates who may feel disappointed or disagree with this decision to not allow this disagreement destroy personal relationships built on years of trust, loyalty, and shared experiences.
As Thomas Jefferson wisely said, “I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, or in philosophy as cause for withdrawing from a friend.” Let our relationships going forward embody that same spirit of mutual respect and enduring friendship. On my part, I promise to keep the communication lines open.
Together, let us stay united in purpose, steadfast in hope, and focused on delivering a better future for the people of Kaduna South Senatorial District.
Barr. Sunday Marshall Katung
Senator, Kaduna South Senatorial District
What you should know
Senator Sunday Katung’s defection to the APC underscores the growing tension and instability within the PDP following the court’s suspension of its national convention.
His decision, framed as a commitment to better serve his constituents, could influence other lawmakers contemplating similar moves, further reshaping the political balance ahead of Nigeria’s next election cycle.
