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 maintains that such defections will not salvage the APC's political standing in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections, stressing that the ruling party’s growing unpopularity among ordinary Nigerians is fueled by widespread economic hardship.

Dr. Yilwatda made the declaration during 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 the PDP have reached out to the ADC and are now returning to the APC. Many of them have completed their ‘medicals’ and will be officially unveiled next week.” His remarks, however, were met with skepticism and sharp criticism from the ADC.

In an official statement released by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, the party argued 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 further emphasized that even with an influx of governors and senators, the APC’s desperation to attract ADC members underscores its political vulnerability and demonstrates that its earlier claims of strength were never sufficient.

The ADC’s statement went on to stress that the APC understands it has become the most detested party in Nigeria, and no number of defections can shield it from the wrath of citizens 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 bent on self-preservation, while ordinary Nigerians continue to endure abject poverty and misery.

Challenging the APC’s vagueness, the ADC questioned why the ruling party had resorted to celebrating defections instead of addressing the critical issues of mass unemployment, spiraling inflation, food insecurity, and the collapse of public services. The party argued that Nigerians are more concerned with policies that can ease their suffering than with the political theatrics of defections, which do little to improve governance or restore public trust.