JALINGO — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has recorded a major political boost in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State following the defection of over 2,000 members from various political parties.
The defectors, made up of men and women from across the local government, were formerly members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The mass defection took place in Mutum Biyu, the headquarters of Gassol Local Government Area, during the unveiling of the ADC local government party office.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the ADC Transition Committee in the area, Senator Abubakar Umar Tutare, expressed appreciation to party leaders and stakeholders for the warm reception accorded to the new members. He said Nigerians have been disappointed by the PDP and APC, stressing that both parties have failed to meet the expectations of the people.
According to him, the ADC represents a fresh political alternative capable of addressing the challenges facing the country and Taraba State in particular.
Also speaking, an ADC chieftain and former governorship candidate of the NNPP in Taraba State, Prof. Sani Muhammad Yahaya, described the PDP as “dead at all levels” and said the APC is currently plagued by internal crises. He added that the ADC has a brighter future and is genuinely committed to the welfare of Nigerians.
Receiving the defectors, the Taraba State Chairman of ADC, Alhaji Hassan Adamu Muhammad, urged them to remain committed, loyal and disciplined members of the party. He described ADC as the political platform Nigeria needs at this critical time.
Alhaji Adamu further explained that ADC is a coalition of progressive-minded individuals from different political backgrounds, noting that influential members from major political parties across the country have already aligned with the party.
One of the defectors, who spoke with journalists, pledged to officially register with the ADC and work tirelessly for the party’s success ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a separate interview, an ADC chieftain in the state, Iliya Ezekiel, expressed delight over what he described as a massive turnout at the event. Ezekiel, who is also a member of the party’s Membership Mobilization, Revalidation and Registration (MMRR) Committee, said the development signals greater political realignment across Taraba State.
“What happened in Gassol Local Government will happen in all the local governments across the state,” he said.
He added that the ADC operates with unity and fairness, noting that the MMRR committee is committed to attracting members from other parties who feel marginalized.
“Today, we received over 2,000 defectors from different political parties, with the majority coming from PDP, followed by APC,” Ezekiel stated.
