African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Assembly candidates from four states have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defectors, who represent Zamfara, Plateau, Taraba, and Jigawa states, expressed their commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda in preparation for the 2027 general elections. They were received by APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, at the party's National Secretariat in Abuja.
The delegation of defectors was led by Dr. Princess Aslam Aliyu Gambiyar from Zamfara State. According to her, the defectors are convinced that President Tinubu has the capability to advance Nigeria's development through his Renewed Hope Agenda. This conviction motivated their departure from the ADC and their decision to collaborate with the APC to facilitate the President's reelection. The defectors submitted their resignation letters to their respective wards.
APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, welcomed the defectors and acknowledged their commitment to prioritizing national interests over personal political considerations. He commended their decision to forgo individual political aspirations in favor of supporting what they perceive as the national good. Yilwatda assured them that the APC would offer them opportunities to make substantial contributions to both the party and the nation.
Yilwatda characterized the defectors' willingness to put national interests first as commendable. He underscored the inclusive nature of the APC and the Federal Government regarding national cohesion and political engagement. According to him, President Tinubu's administration has demonstrated a governance model that embraces Nigerians across regional and religious boundaries.
The APC National Chairman assured the defectors that they were joining a large political family where their contributions would be recognized. He stated that their decision to join the APC would be communicated to President Tinubu and indicated that he would recommend them to the governors in their respective states for appropriate roles in the ongoing mobilisation and grassroots activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
Yilwatda urged the new members to return to their wards and communities and immediately commence grassroots mobilisation. He stressed that joining the APC was not merely about changing political platforms but about becoming active participants in building the party and supporting its programmes. The defectors are expected to play a significant role in the APC's mobilisation efforts in their respective states.
The defection of the ADC candidates is seen as a boost to the APC's preparations for the 2027 general elections. The APC is seeking to consolidate its position as a major political force in Nigeria, and the influx of new members is expected to strengthen its grassroots presence. The development also underscores the ongoing dynamics in Nigeria's political landscape, with parties seeking to reposition themselves ahead of future elections.
Key points
- ADC House of Assembly candidates from four states defect to APC, citing commitment to President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
- Defectors submit resignation letters, vowing to support President Tinubu's reelection.
- APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda welcomes defectors, assures them of opportunities to contribute to the party and nation.
