The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a strong rebuke to the All Progressives Congress (APC) following comments from APC National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, regarding the imminent defection of “key ADC figures” to the ruling party. The ADC asserts that such defections will not salvage the APC's political standing in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections, highlighting the ruling party's perceived growing unpopularity among ordinary Nigerians due to widespread economic hardship.

Dr. Yilwatda had made the declaration at a party stakeholders meeting in his home state of Plateau, stating, “Next week, I will be receiving some notable figures from the ADC. Some of those who had defected from PDP have reached out to ADC and are now returning to APC. Many of them have completed their ‘medicals’ and will be officially unveiled next week.” This statement, however, has been met with skepticism and criticism from the ADC.

In an official statement released by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, the party articulated that the APC’s aggressive pursuit of new members from across the political spectrum reflects a profound realization within the ruling party that it has become deeply disliked by the populace. The ADC emphasized that even with an influx of governors and senators, the APC’s desperation for ADC members underscores its current political vulnerability and the recognition that its previous claims of strength were insufficient.

The ADC’s statement further asserted that the APC understands it has become the most detested party in Nigeria, and no number of defections can insulate it from the wrath of Nigerians whose lives and livelihoods have allegedly been devastated since the party assumed power. The recent wave of high-profile defections to the ruling party is viewed by the ADC as a “gang-up against the people” by a political elite focused on self-preservation, while the common citizens endure abject poverty and misery.

Challenging the APC’s vagueness, the ADC questioned why the ruling party had resorted to