APC National Woman Leader celebrates ‘historic wave’ of defections across Nigeria

The National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mary Idele Alile, has described the recent series of defections into the ruling party as a “historic wave” that reflects a growing national trust in the APC’s leadership and vision.

In a statement released from her office, Alile extended “heartfelt congratulations to the leadership, members, and supporters of our great party across the nation” following what she called an “unprecedented influx of new members from various political backgrounds.”

“This monumental shift underscores the growing trust and confidence in the APC’s vision for a progressive Nigeria,” she stated, emphasizing that the current political realignments are not merely symbolic but represent a substantive shift in the country’s political landscape.

Among the most significant developments, Alile highlighted the defection of key political figures in Delta State, including the sitting Governor, His Excellency Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the entire State Executive Council, and other major stakeholders. She said, “This significant realignment marks a new chapter in Delta State’s political landscape, reflecting a collective commitment to the ideals and developmental agenda of our party.”

She also pointed to widespread defections across other states, calling the trend “a nationwide momentum driven by belief in our party’s leadership and policies.” In Abia State, over 500 individuals from the Labour Party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Young People’s Party (YPP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) defected to the APC in Bende Federal Constituency. Edo State saw four members of the State House of Assembly, formerly of the PDP and LP, join the APC. In Kogi State, former PDP governorship aspirant Joseph Ameh Erico and numerous supporters joined the party in Olamaboro Local Government Area. In Niger State, around 200 PDP members, including Hon. Abdullahi Mohammed Ricco, a former House of Representatives member, defected in Munya LGA. Likewise, in Sokoto and Zamfara States, notable PDP leaders such as Alhaji Sahabi Bojo-Bodinga and Hajiya Madina Shehu brought in significant numbers of supporters.

Anticipating the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State, Dr. Alile reported that hundreds of members from the PDP and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) have also joined the APC, reinforcing the party’s presence in the state. In what she described as a “formidable boost,” Dr. Alile celebrated the collapse of the Young People’s Party (YPP) structure into the APC in Akwa Ibom State, led by Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, his deputy Patrick Amba, and the entire YPP State Executive. “This infusion of high-profile politicians—and their grassroots networks—is a formidable boost to APC’s capacity to compete and govern effectively in Akwa Ibom,” she noted.

She also highlighted the defection of former PDP governorship aspirant Ime Ekanem and over 500 supporters in Uruan LGA, calling it further evidence of APC’s expanding influence in the state. Dr. Alile attributed the party’s growing appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to national development,” adding, “We extend our profound appreciation to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu… We also commend the APC National Chairman and the entire National Working Committee for their strategic efforts in fostering unity and inclusivity within the party.”

As National Woman Leader, Dr. Alile used the opportunity to commend women for their critical role in the APC’s growth, especially at the grassroots. “Their dedication to grassroots mobilization and advocacy has been a cornerstone of the APC’s expanding influence,” she said. “We must continue to empower and support women to ensure sustained growth and success for our party.”

Welcoming all the new members into what she called “the APC family,” Dr. Alile concluded with a call to unity and shared purpose. “Your decision to join us is a testament to your belief in our shared vision for a prosperous Nigeria. Together, let us work collaboratively to build a nation that reflects the aspirations of all its citizens.”