Hundreds of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters in Samo Village, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, today switched to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), claiming increased economic hardship, insecurity, and falling public faith in the ruling party.
The mass defection occurred at the ADC State Secretariat in Sokoto, where party officials, supporters, women organisations and youth leaders came to meet the new members, Vanguard reports.
Most of the defectors were from Samo Village in the Faga/Alasan political ward. They said their decision was influenced by the increasing socio-economic issues affecting Nigerians. Political science
Speaking to newsmen on behalf of the organization, the erstwhile APC supporters stated that the growing cost of living, poverty and incessant insecurity had driven them to seek another political platform.
They stated that many Nigerians still struggled to satisfy their basic necessities, with companies and farming activities experiencing severe setbacks, despite the promise of economic growth and enhanced security.
One of the defectors said many families were unable to purchase basic essentials anymore. He said government actions had made life much harder for ordinary individuals.
Public expectations had not been realised, he said, leading to widespread frustration, especially among rural populations struggling with poverty and unemployment.
Insecurity was also among the key reasons for leaving the APC, according to the defectors, since repeated attacks by criminal groups had hindered economic and social operations in numerous sections of the country.
They voiced concern about the effect of instability on agriculture, adding that many farmers had abandoned their farmlands or scaled down farming due to fear of being attacked and kidnapped.
The organization said it believed the ADC offered a legitimate option to solving the security and economic crises of Nigeria through inclusive governance and people-oriented policies.
Also, the ADC Chairman in Tambuwal Local Government Area, Alhaji Bello Dan Marafa, said the huge defection was a manifestation of the rising popular unhappiness with the APC, while welcoming the new members.
“The development shows the desire of many Nigerians for a new political direction. Dan Marafa stated, “We are happy to have these supporters in our fold and we assure them of equal opportunities in the party. Politics
The ADC, he said, was devoted to promoting justice, accountability and people-centred leadership, adding that the doors of the party were open to all Nigerians who desired positive change.
Hon. Abdullahi Mai Gwandu, the Sokoto State Chairman of the ADC, also speaking said the defections were a big help to the grassroots expansion efforts of the party.
“We are not against our brothers and sisters who have decided to affiliate with the ADC. Their decision displays trust in our vision of constructing a better Nigeria where the welfare of the inhabitants remains a top priority’, Mai Gwandu added.
He guaranteed the defectors of full participation in the activities of the party and urged them to participate actively towards the strengthening of the ADC ahead of future elections.
Mai Gwandu said the recent defections would further solidify the party’s grassroots presence in Sokoto State and enhance political rivalry as parties prepare for future electoral challenges. Politics
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