By Muhammad Mamman
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has claimed that several high-profile members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will join the governing party next week, describing the APC as “the new bride” of Nigerian politics.
Speaking during a meeting with party stakeholders in Jos, Plateau State, Yilwatda revealed that some of the incoming defectors were originally from the PDP before moving to the ADC — and are now heading back to the APC.
“Next week, I’ll be receiving some notable figures from the ADC. Some have already completed their medicals and will be officially unveiled soon,” he said. “The APC is open to all. You don’t need to be here from the beginning to rise — I’m living proof of that.”
He also hinted that another major political figure will be unveiled within two weeks, following media speculation about a recent high-profile defection.
In recent weeks, the APC has seen increased political traffic from rival parties. Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has already joined the party, and Bayelsa’s Governor Douye Diri is reportedly preparing to follow suit.
However, the ADC has rejected the narrative of collapse, insisting the APC is a sinking ship.
Speaking in Ilorin at the unveiling of the ADC’s new state secretariat, the party’s National Secretary and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, dismissed the APC’s claims and criticised its performance in office.
“Under the APC, Nigeria has seen only hunger, insecurity and policy failures. Governance has lost its essence,” Aregbesola said. “Nigerians deserve better — and that’s what the ADC offers.”
He accused the ruling party of suppressing dissent and promoting political intolerance. “If the APC were confident in its popularity, it wouldn’t need intimidation,” he added.
Also present at the event, former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed hailed the ADC’s emergence in the state as the start of a new political movement, while the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, declared the PDP “politically dead”, positioning the ADC as Nigeria’s only true opposition.
He said the ADC’s rapid growth in Kwara over the past three months reflected growing grassroots support, ahead of what promises to be a fierce contest in 2027.
