By Julius Peter, Abuja
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed the defection of some of its candidates to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of using money, political appointments and other material incentives to lure its members.
The party described the defectors as individuals lacking ideological commitment and the values of the NDC, declaring that their departure would not weaken its resolve to challenge the APC and pursue what it called the mission of rescuing Nigeria from poor governance.
In a press statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., the NDC alleged that some of its candidates had been induced to abandon the party for pecuniary reasons.
The party characterised the development as part of what it described as the desperate political tactics of the APC to attract opposition members ahead of future electoral contests.
Reacting to the defections, the NDC declared: “Good riddance to bad rubbish,” insisting that those who had left its fold were never genuinely committed to its political ideals.
According to the statement, the party was aware of what it described as attempts by the APC to weaken opposition parties through financial inducements, offers of political appointments and other material benefits.
The NDC, however, maintained that the departure of the affected candidates would not derail its political aspirations or undermine its commitment to providing Nigerians with an alternative platform for leadership.
“For those who have fallen for this bait, it is clear that they lack the values, virtues, and ideological commitment associated with our great party. They were never truly of us,” the statement said.
The party added that it wished the defectors luck in what it described as their political misadventures.
NDC to Conduct Fresh Congresses
As part of its response to the development, the NDC announced plans to conduct fresh congresses to select replacement candidates in the affected constituencies.
The party said the exercise would be aimed at producing candidates it considers credible, competent and trustworthy to represent its interests in the affected electoral areas.
It stated that the process would be undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The announcement signals the party’s intention to fill the vacancies created by the reported defections and maintain its participation in the electoral process despite the loss of some of its candidates.
The NDC did not identify the candidates involved in the statement, nor did it specify the constituencies affected by the defections.
It also did not disclose the number of candidates alleged to have left the party or provide specific details of the alleged financial and material inducements.
Nevertheless, the party insisted that it would not allow the development to distract its leadership, members and supporters from its political objectives.
Party Urges Members to Remain Steadfast
The NDC also appealed to its members, supporters and Nigerians who believe in its political vision not to be discouraged by the reported defections.
According to the party, the development should not be interpreted as a setback to its growing political aspirations, but rather as an opportunity to identify individuals genuinely committed to its principles.
It urged its supporters to remain steadfast, expressing confidence that the party would overcome what it described as attempts by the ruling party to undermine its political strength.
The NDC further argued that the alleged recruitment of opposition candidates through financial incentives reflected the APC’s desperation in the face of what it predicted would be an electoral defeat.
“These are the last kicks of a dying horse that has seen the handwriting on the wall of its imminent defeat,” the party declared.
The NDC did not provide independent evidence in the statement to substantiate its allegations that the APC had bribed the defecting candidates.
Beyond the immediate controversy surrounding the defections, the party reiterated its commitment to what it described as its historic mission of rescuing Nigeria from the grip of individuals it accused of prioritising personal interests over the welfare of citizens.
The NDC said its political agenda remained focused on good governance, improved security and economic prosperity for Nigerians.
It maintained that its commitment to these objectives would not be affected by the departure of some candidates, adding that the party remained determined to offer Nigerians an alternative political direction.
The party’s statement comes amid heightened political activities and manoeuvring among political parties as they position themselves for upcoming electoral contests.
Defections by candidates and political figures have remained a recurring feature of Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently generating debates about party loyalty, ideological consistency and the influence of financial considerations on political decisions.
For the NDC, the immediate priority appears to be replacing the affected candidates through fresh congresses while reassuring its supporters that the reported departures would not derail its plans.
The party concluded its statement with an expression of confidence in its political mission, declaring: “A New Nigeria is possible. We can do it!”
