APC National Chairman Receives Defected ADC Candidates in Abuja, Urges Them to Resign from Wards

APC National Chairman Receives Defected ADC Candidates in Abuja, Urges Them to Resign from Wards

By Raphael Ekpang

APC National President Professor Nentawe Yilwatda on Monday received dozens of alleged deceased members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) African Democratic Congress (ADC) in four northern states.

The defectors, led by Princess Aslam Aliyu Gambiyar of Zamfara State, announced their decision on Monday during a courtesy visit to the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Gambiyar said the group decided to join the APC after becoming convinced that President Tinubu could move the country forward through the administration’s renewed hope agenda.

He said the decision was also aimed at supporting the president’s re-election bid in 2027.

Receiving the new members, Yilwatda welcomed them into the APC and commended them for what he described as their decision to put the country’s broader interests before individual political ambitions.

“We have young people joining us in the progressive fold. I am happy that you have resigned and submitted your resignation letters to your wards. The task now is to go back to your wards and start working,” Yilwatda said.

The APC Chairman assured the defectors that the party will provide them with opportunities to participate in its activities and contribute to national development.

Yilwatda said the development will be communicated to President Tinubu and revealed that he will recommend the new members to the governors of their respective states for possible roles in grassroots mobilization and other party activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

The APC National Chairman also responded to opposition claims regarding the Tinubu administration’s development efforts in Northern Nigeria.

He cited several ongoing road projects across the region, including the Abuja-Kano-Maiduguri corridor, which he said extends for about 1,000 kilometres, as well as the coastal road, Jos-Akwanga, Kwara-Niger, Sokoto-Kebbi, Laila-Sokoto and Kano-Daura roads.

On the economy, Yilwatda defended the federal government’s reforms, particularly the elimination of fuel subsidies, questioning calls for a return to the previous subsidy regime.

According to him, reversing the policy could affect funding for infrastructure and other development programs, including road construction, gas-related investments and the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

He argued that Nigeria’s economic challenges should be addressed through reforms and development initiatives designed to reduce poverty and create sustainable opportunities.

Yilwatda also highlighted the participation of Nigerians from different regions and religious backgrounds in the APC and Tinubu administration, describing the party as inclusive.

The APC Chairman urged new members to return to their neighborhoods and communities to begin grassroots mobilisation, stressing that joining the party should result in active participation in its programmes.

The defection comes amid political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with politicians and would-be politicians re-evaluating their political platforms and alliances.