Former Kaduna North LG Chairman Baloni Cuts Ties with APC
Mukhtar Lawal Baloni, the former Chairman of Kaduna North Local Government, has officially stepped away from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a personally signed statement shared with journalists, Baloni explained his decision was based on the party’s growing shift away from its founding mission and its apparent disconnect from the needs of the people.
Having played a key part in the early days of the APC, Baloni said his exit was fueled by a deepening misalignment between his own principles and the current path of the party.
“There was a time when the APC offered real hope—it aimed to address the real concerns of everyday citizens,” Baloni reflected. “But that vision has sadly faded.”
He described the move as both personal and difficult, one that came after a lot of thought and dialogue with trusted allies who also feel that the APC no longer represents what they once stood for.
Baloni’s resignation wasn’t a solo move—he stepped away alongside a group of loyal political allies. Among them were former Vice Chairman Dahiru Abdullahi Maidace, former Chief of Staff Ghali Mohammed Waziri, as well as several past advisers, councillors, and local party figures who had all once served under the APC banner in Kaduna North.
Together, they expressed a shared frustration with the party’s direction, especially at the local level.
In his closing remarks, Baloni called for a new political movement that puts fairness, transparency, and people-first leadership at its core.
“It’s time to build something new—something that puts the people first and gives real attention to communities who’ve been ignored for too long,” he said.
His departure adds to a wave of recent exits shaking the APC in Kaduna State. The latest wave gained momentum after former Governor Nasir El-Rufai switched sides, leaving the APC for the Social Democratic Party (SDP). El-Rufai is reportedly looking to team up with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party some say may become the new face of a broader coalition.
APC Responds to Baloni’s Exit
Speaking on the matter, Kaduna APC’s Publicity Secretary, Salisu Tanko Wusono, downplayed the impact of Baloni’s move, describing it as just another example of natural shifts in politics.
“We understand that not everyone will stay forever,” Wusono said. “People leave, people join—it’s part of political life.”
He added that the APC remains committed to delivering on its promises and still enjoys strong backing across Kaduna.
“If Baloni believes he no longer shares the same vision as the people of Kaduna, that’s his right. But it doesn’t change our focus or the support we continue to receive.”
