The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suffered a major setback ahead of the 2027 general elections as no fewer than 34 House of Assembly aspirants in Katsina State have dumped the party and joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The development is being seen as a significant blow to the ADC and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as political realignments continue across the country.
The defectors, drawn from 18 local government areas of Katsina State, cited injustice, poor leadership, and lack of political opportunities within the ADC as reasons for their departure.
Speaking on behalf of the group during a reception organised by the PDP in Katsina, Hon. Ahmad Yusuf Jaguma said the aspirants carefully assessed the political situation before deciding to leave the ADC.
According to him, the former ADC members concluded that the PDP offered a more organised and promising platform for their political ambitions.
“We thought deeply and discovered that the PDP is the solution. We have abandoned a disorganised journey and returned to our original home,” Jaguma said.
Jaguma explained that many of them had initially joined the ADC because they expected prominent Katsina politician, Senator Yakubu Lado, to also defect to the party.
However, after it became clear that Lado would remain in the PDP, the aspirants decided to retrace their steps and return to the opposition party.
Receiving the defectors, Senator Lado assured them of equal opportunities and fair treatment within the PDP, stressing that the party remains open to politicians willing to contribute to its growth.
He expressed confidence that more politicians from different parties would soon join the PDP as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
The latest defection comes amid growing political movements across the country, with several politicians reassessing their affiliations ahead of the next electoral cycle.
More Defections Rock ADC
The exit of the 34 Katsina assembly aspirants adds to a series of recent defections that have weakened the ADC’s ranks.
Former Adamawa State governorship candidate Senator Aishatu Binani recently left the ADC and joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing the party’s commitment to structured governance.
Similarly, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, resigned from the ADC, accusing party leaders of manipulating the presidential primary process in favour of Atiku Abubakar.
Lawal described the primary election as “massively rigged” and claimed that the process undermined confidence in the party’s internal democracy.
Political observers say the growing wave of defections could pose fresh challenges for the ADC as it seeks to strengthen its structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.