The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) recorded a wave of high-profile defections at the weekend as prominent politicians from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) formally joined its ranks.
The defections came amid the movement of former presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the party.
Among those who joined the NDC were a former member of the House of Representatives and ex-board member of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, who resigned from the APC; a former Deputy National Chairman of the PRP, Babatunde Alli; and the 2023 NNPP governorship candidate in Taraba State, Mohammed Sani Yahaya.
They moved to the NDC alongside thousands of supporters and existing political structures.
Speaking at the reception in Abuja, Agbonayinma expressed concern over the state of the nation and described the NDC as a credible platform for national renewal.
He said, “Nigeria is bleeding and searching for direction. What we were promised as ‘Renewed Hope’ has, for many Nigerians, turned into renewed hopelessness. We must confront corruption and rebuild trust in governance.”
Alli said he left the PRP because of internal party challenges. He stressed the need for inclusivity, youth participation and fairness in political processes.
“The emergence of the NDC has given me renewed hope that politics can be done differently,” he said.
Yahaya Pledges Mobilisation
Yahaya, on his part, pledged grassroots mobilisation for the NDC, declaring full support from his political base in Taraba State.
He said, “At all levels, we are joining the NDC fully. We have built a structure already, and we are committed to strengthening the party ahead of 2027.”
Welcoming the defectors, the National Leader of the NDC, Seriake Dickson, said their decision showed growing confidence in the party’s vision for inclusive governance and national transformation.
