The All Progressives Congress in Bauchi on Saturday received no fewer than 18 prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party who defected to the ruling party.
The event was part of activities marking the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the state.
Alhaji Uba Nana, APC chairman in the state, handed over the defectors to the National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
Nana commended the defectors for taking the right decision at the appropriate time, urging them to contribute their quota to the development of the state and the party.
Receiving the defectors, Oshiomhole presented the broom to them as logo and identity of the ruling party.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, one of them, former Governor of Bauchi, Alhaji Isa Yuguda, assured that they would ensure the success of the party during the forthcoming elections.
Yuguda urged the leadership of the party to pardon their shortcomings.
Among the defectors were former Deputy Governor Abdulmalik Mahmood, as well as Senators Abubakar Maikafi and Babayo Gamawa.