By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly inducing some of its candidates to defect through financial inducements and promises of political appointments, vowing to conduct fresh congresses to select replacements in affected constituencies.
The party said it would replace the defectors with candidates it considers credible, competent and trustworthy, in line with what it described as the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
According to an official statement signed by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., the party alleged that the APC had resorted to offering money, political appointments and other material incentives to persuade some of its candidates to leave the party.
The NDC described the alleged defections as motivated by personal financial interests, insisting that those who left lacked the values and ideological commitment associated with the party.
“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. To them, we say good riddance to bad rubbish, and we wish them luck in their political misadventures,” the statement said.
The party maintained that the defections would not derail its political objectives, assuring members, supporters and Nigerians that it remained committed to its mission despite the development.
It urged its members and supporters not to be discouraged by the alleged inducements, describing the reported defections as tactics by the ruling party to weaken its political opponents.
The NDC also expressed confidence in its political prospects, alleging that the APC was resorting to such measures because it feared defeat.
Reaffirming its commitment to its political agenda, the party said it remained focused on addressing Nigeria’s governance, security and economic challenges.
The APC had yet to respond to the allegations contained in the statement at the time of filing this report.
