Several former candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid. The defectors, led by Princess Aslam Aliyu, also known as Gimbiyar Kauran Namoda, announced their decision during a visit to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. They were received by the party's National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
The former ADC candidates said their decision was driven by a desire to contribute to national development rather than merely change political platforms. Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Hon. Mohammed Hassan said they were not just changing their political platform but beginning a new chapter of service and contribution to their people by supporting Tinubu's Renewed Agenda 2027.
Hassan appealed to the APC leadership to receive the former ADC candidates as partners and provide them with the opportunity to contribute to the party's activities and take its message to their respective communities. He emphasized their commitment to support the party, mobilize their people, promote development, and provide services to Nigeria with sincerity and dedication.
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda welcomed the former ADC candidates, describing their decision as a significant sacrifice in the interest of the country. He said their decision demonstrated that young Nigerians could place national interests above personal political ambitions. Yilwatda also outlined the steps for the new entrants, including completing their resignation from their former party at the ward level and registering as APC members in their respective wards.
Yilwatda defended the Tinubu administration against claims that the Federal Government was neglecting the North in its development programmes. He cited several ongoing road projects across Northern Nigeria, including the Abuja-Kano and Kano-Maiduguri corridors, as well as projects linking several states in the region. According to Yilwatda, these projects contradicted claims that the Federal Government was ignoring Northern Nigeria.
The APC chairman also defended the administration's economic policies, particularly its efforts in gas development, fertiliser availability, compressed natural gas (CNG), and the student loan programme. He argued that reversing the petrol subsidy policy would have implications for funding infrastructure and other government programmes. Yilwatda pointed to the Federal Government's intervention in student financing and other programmes, which would benefit Northern Nigeria.
Yilwatda described the APC as an inclusive political platform capable of accommodating Nigerians from different ethnic, religious, and regional backgrounds. He urged the new APC members to return to their respective states and local government areas and participate actively in the party's campaign and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections. Yilwatda formally welcomed the former ADC candidates into the APC on behalf of the APC National Working Committee, President Tinubu, and members of the party nationwide.
Key points
- Former ADC candidates defect to APC, citing a desire to contribute to national development.
- The defectors pledge support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid.
- APC chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda defends the Tinubu administration's development programmes and economic policies.
