In a significant move ahead of the 2027 general elections, several African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Assembly candidates from four states, including Zamfara, Plateau, Taraba, and Jigawa, have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defectors, led by Dr. Princess Aslam Aliyu Gambiyar from Zamfara state, paid a courtesy visit to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at the party's National Secretariat in Abuja. They expressed their conviction in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's ability to take Nigeria to greater heights under his Renewed Hope Agenda.
The leader of the delegation, Dr. Princess Aslam Aliyu Gambiyar, explained that the defectors' decision to leave the ADC and support the APC was informed by their trust in President Tinubu's leadership. She emphasized that the defectors believe Tinubu is the right candidate to lead Nigeria forward. The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, welcomed the defectors and commended them for prioritizing the country's broader interests over personal ambitions. Yilwatda encouraged them to return to their wards and start work, emphasizing that their decision to join the APC would be communicated to President Tinubu.
Prof. Yilwatda addressed concerns about the Federal Government's commitment to Northern Nigeria's development, citing several ongoing infrastructure projects across the region. He mentioned major road projects, including the Abuja-Kano-Maiduguri corridor, the coastal road, and others. Yilwatda questioned the argument for reversing some of the administration's economic reforms, particularly the return of fuel subsidy, noting that such a policy reversal could impact ongoing infrastructure and development programs.
The APC National Chairman emphasized that the economic challenges facing the country should be addressed through reforms and development rather than a return to policies that contributed to fiscal pressures on governments. He noted that state governments' ability to meet salary obligations had been a significant challenge before the current reforms, particularly in the North. Yilwatda also highlighted the inclusive character of the APC and the Federal Government, citing the presence of Nigerians from different parts of the country serving in various positions in Lagos State.
Yilwatda assured the defectors that they were joining a large political family where their contributions would be recognized. He urged them to return to their wards and communities and immediately commence grassroots mobilization. The National Chairman stressed that joining the APC was not just about changing political platforms but about becoming active participants in building the party and supporting its programs.
The defection further underscores the growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as politicians and aspirants reassess their platforms and alliances. The APC National Chairman indicated that he would recommend the new members to the governors in their respective states for appropriate roles in the ongoing mobilization and grassroots activities.
The development has significant implications for the 2027 elections, with the APC gaining more support from former ADC members. The party's efforts to promote national integration and political participation are also noteworthy, with Yilwatda citing examples of political inclusion in Lagos State. The defectors' decision to support President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda is seen as a boost to his 2027 re-election bid.
Key points
- ADC House of Assembly candidates from four states defect to APC, citing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
- The defectors were welcomed by APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who commended them for prioritizing the country's broader interests.
- The development underscores growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
