A coalition of academics under the Forum of Southern Kaduna Professors has called on Senator Sunday Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in what they described as a “strategic alignment” with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna on Sunday, the forum’s chairman, Prof. John Laah, said the move would enable Southern Kaduna to gain better access to federal projects and accelerate socio-economic development.
“For us to achieve the best for Southern Kaduna, it is good for our senator to align very well with the party that can help deliver the dividends of democracy,” Laah said.
He cited President Tinubu’s establishment of the Federal University of Technology and the Federal Medical Centre in the region as evidence of the administration’s goodwill toward Southern Kaduna.
“Mr President has shown goodwill by siting major federal institutions in our zone, and more things are being planned. We believe that for Senator Katung to ensure continuity and attract even more projects, he should align fully with the President and the APC,” he added.
The professor noted that the group’s appeal was not about partisanship but “pragmatic politics that delivers results.” He argued that Southern Kaduna had long been marginalised and that now was the time to “seize the moment.”
According to Laah, the forum consulted community leaders, youth groups, and local associations across the eight LGAs of Kaduna South before arriving at its decision. Many respondents reportedly supported Senator Katung’s performance but expressed concerns about the PDP’s weakening structure and inability to engage the federal government effectively.
“The people at the grassroots have always said that the senator has done well. However, remaining in the PDP is becoming a challenge because of the lack of proper structure and leadership,” Laah said.
He further stressed that joining the ruling party would not only strengthen Katung’s political influence but also ensure Southern Kaduna continues to benefit from federal presence.
Despite urging him to switch parties, the professors commended Katung for his legislative record and constituency projects, describing him as an inclusive leader whose achievements cut across party lines.
The forum pledged to mobilise academic and community stakeholders to support the senator’s re-election in 2027, regardless of his political platform.
They also praised President Tinubu for his “visionary outreach” to neglected northern regions, especially Southern Kaduna, saying it was the first time in recent history that federal projects were being evenly distributed to the area.
Senator Sunday Katung, a lawyer and former House of Representatives member, was elected in 2023 on the PDP platform and currently chairs a key Senate committee. He has sponsored motions on youth employment, security, and rural infrastructure.
However, political observers note that the professors’ appeal reflects growing dissatisfaction within the PDP in Kaduna State, following several high-profile defections to the APC in recent months.
