The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has fired back at the All Progressives Congress (APC) over its claim that “key ADC figures” will soon defect to the ruling party, describing the statement as a desperate attempt to buy legitimacy amid growing public discontent.
APC’s national chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, had recently told party stakeholders in Jos, Plateau State, that several prominent ADC members were set to join the ruling party next week. Yilwatda had boasted that the APC had become “the new bride,” attracting politicians from opposition parties, including recent defections by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and an anticipated switch by Bayelsa’s Governor Douye Diri.
He further hinted that “many of the incoming members have completed their medicals” and would be formally unveiled soon.
But in a strongly worded statement on Sunday, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed the claim as a sign of the APC’s panic over its dwindling credibility.
“This statement underscores a deep realisation by the ruling party that it cannot be saved even if all the governors in Nigeria defected to it,” Abdullahi said. “Despite boasting about governors and senators, the APC is still desperate for ADC members.”
The ADC accused the APC of presiding over widespread hardship and destroying Nigerians’ livelihoods since coming to power.
“The truth remains that the APC has become the most hated party in Nigeria, and no amount of defections can save it from the anger of citizens whose lives have been ruined,” the statement read.
Challenging the APC to name the alleged defectors, the ADC mocked the ruling party’s “shadowy references” to unnamed figures.
“We wonder if the APC has run out of governors to seduce, that it now turns to vague claims about ADC members. If they are truly ‘key,’ let the APC chairman name them,” the statement added.
The ADC likened the APC’s strategy to the “ruinous game” once played by the PDP, insisting that Nigerians clearly understand the current wave of defections as “a gang-up by the ruling elite” against the people.
Reaffirming its resolve to remain a credible opposition ahead of the 2027 elections, the ADC said, “The APC will soon learn that real democratic power lies with the people — not a few power merchants.”
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