Several members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State have announced their defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s performance at both the state and national levels.
The defectors, made up of grassroots mobilizers, youth leaders, and women coordinators, said their decision followed what they described as years of neglect, unfulfilled promises, and a lack of internal democracy within the APC. They accused the party of sidelining loyal members while recycling the same leaders who have failed to deliver tangible development to the people of Gada.
Speaking during a brief ceremony where the ADC formally received the defectors, the local coordinator of the movement, Alhaji Abubakar Idris, explained that the move was necessary to “rescue Sokoto politics from stagnation.” According to him, the APC had become deeply divided in the state, with factional battles between camps loyal to Senator Aliyu Wamakko and others like Abubakar Gada further weakening the party’s grassroots structure.
“We have watched with dismay how APC has been reduced to endless internal wrangling. Instead of focusing on governance and addressing the plight of ordinary Nigerians, the party has become a battlefield of selfish interests. We cannot continue to waste our political strength on a structure that no longer works for the people,” Idris declared.
The new members were welcomed into the ADC by the state chairman of the party, who described the defection as “a clear signal that Sokoto people are ready for a fresh political alternative.” He added that the ADC would continue to open its doors to Nigerians who seek justice, equity, and people-oriented leadership.
Political watchers say the defection is another blow to the APC in Sokoto, which has been struggling with factionalism since the 2021 congresses. Despite repeated attempts at reconciliation, the divisions have led to high-profile resignations and defections, with some members already moving to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The ADC, though relatively smaller compared to the APC and PDP, is positioning itself as a third-force platform for aggrieved politicians across the state, hoping to capitalize on the ruling party’s crisis ahead of future elections.