Defections Hit APC, PDP As Lawmakers, Politicians Join ADC, NDC

Fresh political realignments gathered momentum yesterday as federal lawmakers and prominent politicians dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The senator representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Abdul Ahmed Ningi, resigned from the PDP after more than two decades in the opposition party.

Ningi announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ningi Ward in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The lawmaker said his decision followed extensive consultations with political associates, supporters and stakeholders, describing it as one of the toughest decisions of his political career.

He noted that since joining the PDP in 1998, the party had provided him with the opportunity to serve the country in different capacities, including two terms in the House of Representatives and two terms in the Senate.

Indications suggest Ningi is aligning with the ADC coalition.

Senator Ibrahim Khalid Mustapha (Kaduna North) dumped the PDP for the ADC, citing protracted leadership crises and litigations.

Mohammed Bello el-Rufai, son of former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai and member representing Kaduna North in the House of Representatives.

He resigned from the APC following consultations with his “mentors.”

Joining el-Rufai in the House exodus were Umar Ajilo (Kudan/Makarfi) and Suleiman Richifa (Soba), who left the PDP for the ADC; Chinedu Obika (AMAC/Bwari) and Esosa Iyawe (Oredo), who defected to the NDC.

Obika, who briefly joined the APC from the Labour Party in March, cited a lack of inclusiveness in FCT APC congresses. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas allowed the defection despite procedural questions, noting the “mood of the nation.”

Esosa Iyawe resigned from the APC just two days after purchasing nomination forms.

He cited “irreconcilable differences” with Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who is reportedly backing Dr. Paddy Iyamu for the ticket.

Iyawe, originally elected on the Labour Party platform, has now moved to the NDC.

In Bauchi, former APC National Youth Leader Sadiq Abubakar resigned, citing the imposition of candidates.

In Enugu, NDC senatorial aspirant Chief Ogochukwu Onyema (OAU) stated that opposition figures are flocking to the NDC following directives from former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Onyema said: “We are for NDC, and we are for Peter Obi. We believe the salvation of Nigeria will come through this movement.”