APC suffers another political setback as hundreds of supporters in Sokoto defect to ADC, citing hardship, insecurity and growing dissatisfaction with governance.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has suffered another political setback in Sokoto State after hundreds of its supporters abandoned the ruling party to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), blaming worsening economic hardship, rising insecurity and declining confidence in the government’s ability to improve living conditions.
The political realignment unfolded on Wednesday at the ADC State Secretariat in Sokoto, where party officials, youth leaders, women groups and supporters gathered to receive the defectors.
The event attracted considerable attention as the new members formally declared their loyalty to the opposition party, describing their move as a decision driven by the country’s current economic and security realities.
The defectors were mainly drawn from Samo Village in the Faga/Alasan political ward of Tambuwal Local Government Area.
Speaking on behalf of the group, one of the former APC members said many residents had become frustrated by the increasing cost of living and what they described as the government’s inability to address widespread poverty and unemployment.
According to the spokesperson, everyday life has become increasingly difficult for many households.
He claimed that soaring food prices, transportation costs and other essential expenses have left families struggling to meet their basic needs.
The representative added that many people who once believed the ruling party would deliver meaningful economic reforms now feel disappointed by the slow pace of improvement.
The defectors argued that several government policies had failed to ease the burden on ordinary Nigerians.
Instead, they said businesses have continued to battle rising operating costs while many small traders and entrepreneurs are finding it difficult to remain profitable.
Farmers, artisans and rural dwellers, they added, have been among the hardest hit by the country’s economic challenges.
Beyond economic concerns, the former ruling party supporters identified insecurity as another major reason behind their decision to leave the APC.
They alleged that repeated attacks by criminal elements in different parts of the country have created fear among residents and disrupted both commercial and social activities.
The group expressed particular concern about the effect of insecurity on agriculture, noting that many farmers have abandoned their farmlands or significantly reduced cultivation because of kidnappings and attacks by armed groups.
According to them, the decline in farming activities has contributed to reduced food production, worsening inflation and increased hardship for consumers.
The defectors said they decided to join the African Democratic Congress because they believe the party offers a fresh political alternative capable of tackling Nigeria’s security and economic challenges through inclusive governance, accountability and people-centred policies.
They maintained that their decision was based on conviction rather than personal political interests.
Receiving the new members, the ADC Chairman in Tambuwal Local Government Area, Alhaji Bello Dan Marafa, described the development as a strong indication that many Nigerians are seeking a different political direction.
He said the party was pleased to welcome the defectors and assured them that they would enjoy equal opportunities alongside existing members.
Dan Marafa stated that the ADC remains committed to promoting justice, transparency and responsible leadership. He stressed that the party would continue opening its doors to Nigerians who share its vision of building a more prosperous and secure country.
Also speaking during the event, the Sokoto State Chairman of the ADC, Hon. Abdullahi Mai Gwandu, described the mass movement as an important milestone in the party’s grassroots expansion across the state.
He said the growing number of people joining the ADC reflects increasing confidence in its political agenda and commitment to national development.
Mai Gwandu welcomed the former APC supporters and encouraged them to participate actively in strengthening the party ahead of future elections.
He assured them that they would be fully integrated into the party structure and would have opportunities to contribute to policy discussions and grassroots mobilisation.
He further expressed optimism that the latest defections would enhance the ADC’s presence across Sokoto State while promoting healthy democratic competition.
According to him, stronger political participation by citizens remains essential for improving governance and ensuring that elected leaders remain accountable to the people.
Political observers believe the latest development could influence future political calculations in Sokoto, particularly if more supporters from other communities decide to leave the ruling party.
Although defections are common in Nigerian politics, large-scale movements often attract attention because they may signal changing public sentiment ahead of elections.
Analysts also note that issues such as inflation, unemployment, insecurity and the rising cost of living continue to dominate public discussions across the country.
These concerns are likely to remain major campaign issues as political parties position themselves for future electoral contests.
While the ruling APC continues to defend its policies and insists that ongoing reforms will eventually produce positive results, opposition parties are increasingly using current economic challenges to attract dissatisfied members and expand their grassroots support.
Whether the latest defections will significantly alter Sokoto’s political landscape remains uncertain.
However, the movement of hundreds of supporters from the APC to the ADC has added another chapter to the state’s evolving political story and underscores the growing importance of economic performance and security in shaping voter decisions.
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