APC Crisis Deepens as Yargwa Aligns With Abdullahi in ADC

…cites Tinubu’s economic failures; calls for united opposition

From Abel, Zwanke Lafia 

Former Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Isaac Lucky Yargwa, who formally defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has  declared that the ruling All Progressive Congress has failed Nigerians and that a new political direction is urgently needed ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking in an interview with journalists on Monday in Lafia, Yargwa said his decision to leave the APC was driven by what he described as the “harsh socio-economic realities” under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. 

He said the ruling party had lost its identity and internal democratic values, both at the national and state levels.

According to him, “APC, under the current administration, has come with hardship and misery. It has skyrocketed poverty, insecurity, and suffering in virtually every household. Any right-thinking Nigerian will understand why we need an alternative government.”

Yargwa, who played a key role in Governor Abdullahi Sule’s re-election campaign as co-chairman for Wamba Local Government and co-director of youth mobilization, said his loyalty to the governor remained intact despite his departure from the party. 

He described Governor Sule as a mentor and father figure, noting that his respect for the governor was not tied to APC’s national failures.

He said the APC in Nasarawa State had become factionalized and hijacked by “new entrants whose interest is to undermine the governor ahead of 2027”, making it difficult for genuine stakeholders to contribute meaningfully.

 “The party’s structures are being manipulated, and internal democracy no longer exists,” he stressed.

Explaining why he chose ADC, Yargwa said the party offered a credible alternative for Nigerians seeking unity, integrity, and meaningful governance. 

He noted that ADC’s nearly two decades of existence and inclusive leadership made it a viable platform for change.

“ADC is not just another political vehicle. It is a platform for Nigerians who want an alternative. Many political actors from APC are quietly supporting ADC because they recognise the need for reform,” he said.

On fears that defections may destabilize his new party, Yargwa maintained that ADC was fundamentally different from other political parties, insisting that it is driven by principles rather than personal ambitions. 

He revealed that his transition to the party three months ago had been smooth and widely accepted across stakeholder groups.

Speaking on national political alignments, Yargwa welcomed collaborations with prominent opposition figures such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Nasir El-Rufai, saying their involvement would strengthen the push for reforms and good governance.

He further emphasized that ADC was becoming a rallying point for those dissatisfied with APC, PDP, and other mainstream parties, adding that Nigerians must unite behind a common front for national redemption.

On his political alignment in Nasarawa, Yargwa expressed confidence in the leadership of Mohammed Abdullahi, a key figure in ADC, whom he described as experienced and well-prepared for governance. 

He praised Abdullahi’s track record at the local, state, and national levels, noting that his capacity positioned him as the right leader for Nasarawa in 2027.

“Mohammed has the pedigree, experience, and vision. He has served at all three levels of government. When he becomes governor, he will hit the ground running. Our focus is on planning, consultation, and delivering a blueprint for sustainable development,” he stated.

Calling on the people of Nasarawa State to embrace ADC, Yargwa urged voters to show courage and choose a new direction rather than remain trapped in hardship. He argued that the ruling party had brought widespread poverty, insecurity, and economic instability.

“This is the time for courage and vision. APC has represented hardship and corruption for too long. ADC is offering a genuine alternative. I encourage every eligible voter to obtain their membership cards and mobilize for change,” he said.

He appealed particularly to young Nigerians to rewrite the nation’s political story in 2027 by choosing leaders committed to development, security, and prosperity.

“Nigeria cannot continue on this path of economic collapse and insecurity. The Naira is worthless, poverty is widespread, and the government is failing. Change is not just possible — it is necessary,” he added.

Yargwa reaffirmed his commitment to mobilizing grassroots support for ADC, saying his move signaled a new era in Nasarawa politics as the state inches closer to the 2027 general election.