A group of academics under the aegis of the Forum of Southern Kaduna Professors has urged the Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Sunday Katung, to defect from the opposition 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 for the benefit of their constituency.
The forum, led by Prof. John Laah, made the call while addressing journalists in Kaduna on Sunday.
The scholars argued that aligning with the centre of power would give Southern Kaduna greater access to federal projects and socio-economic development.
Laah, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Kaduna State University, said the group had reached a unanimous position after extensive consultations within and outside Southern Kaduna.
“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."
“We felt that teaming up with the APC, given the generosity of President Tinubu towards Southern Kaduna—doing what has never happened before—is the right step forward,” Laah said.
He cited the establishment of the Federal University of Technology and the Federal Medical Centre in the area as examples of President Tinubu’s “unprecedented” interventions in Southern Kaduna since taking office.
“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 call was not about partisan loyalty but pragmatic politics that could unlock development for one of the state’s most underdeveloped regions.
“This is not about abandoning principles. It’s about strategy and results. Southern Kaduna has long been on the margins of power, but the current administration has opened doors of opportunity. We think our representative should seize that moment,” he said.
Laah disclosed that members of the forum had interacted with local leaders, community associations, and youth groups across the eight local government areas of Kaduna South.
According to him, the majority of people at the grassroots expressed support for the senator but shared concerns that the PDP had lost focus and organisational strength in the state.
“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 that can engage effectively with the federal government,” Laah said
He added that the forum’s position was not to undermine Katung’s achievements but to consolidate them by urging him to join the ruling party, where he could enjoy more political leverage.
“We do not want the senator to reach this level of achievement and remain hanging on a tree,” he stressed. “Sincerely speaking, it is time for him to move to the APC so that Southern Kaduna can benefit maximally from federal presence.”
Despite their call for political realignment, the professors praised Senator Katung for his performance in the National Assembly.
They said his legislative efforts and constituency projects had earned him respect across party lines.
Laah disclosed that the forum would mobilise academic and community stakeholders to support the senator’s re-election bid in 2027, regardless of party affiliation.
“As a forum, we have resolved to mobilise support for Senator Katung’s second term because of his tangible achievements and his inclusive approach to representation,” he said, while adding that “but for him to do even better, it will be politically wise to move to the centre.”
The academics also commended President Tinubu for what they called his “visionary outreach” to previously neglected areas in Northern Nigeria, particularly Southern Kaduna, which has historically complained of marginalisation and uneven development.
“It is the first time in recent history that a federal administration is deliberately locating institutions and projects in Southern Kaduna without political bias,” Laah added. “We are grateful, and that is why we think it is time our political leaders reciprocate in the spirit of partnership.”
The PUNCH online reports that Senator Sunday Katung, a lawyer and former member of the House of Representatives, was elected in 2023 under the platform of the PDP.
He currently chairs a key Senate committee and has sponsored motions on youth employment, security, and rural infrastructure.
However, analysts say the call from the Forum of Southern Kaduna Professors may reflect growing disillusionment within the PDP structure in Kaduna State, especially following the defection of some of its top members to the APC in recent months.
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