The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced plans to hold fresh congresses to select replacement candidates in constituencies affected by defections, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using financial inducements and political appointments to attract its members.
The opposition party made the announcement in a statement on Tuesday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, alleging that some of its candidates had been offered money and other benefits to abandon the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NDC did not name the candidates allegedly involved or provide evidence to substantiate the claims.
It described the alleged defections as an attempt to weaken its growing political influence and said the development would not derail its preparations for the elections.
The party said it would immediately conduct fresh congresses to elect replacement candidates in the affected constituencies, citing the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
It also criticised those who allegedly accepted the offers, saying their actions showed a lack of commitment to the party’s principles and political objectives.
Dismissing the defectors’ departure, the NDC said it remained focused on its ambition to challenge the APC and provide Nigerians with an alternative political platform.
The party described the alleged recruitment of its candidates as a sign of desperation by the ruling party and predicted that the APC would lose the 2027 elections.
It urged its members and supporters not to be discouraged by the reported defections, insisting that its political mission remained unchanged.
The NDC said it was committed to addressing Nigeria’s governance and security challenges through policies aimed at improving citizens’ welfare, expanding economic opportunities and promoting national prosperity.
It added that its goal was to offer Nigerians what it described as good governance and a way out of the country’s current difficulties.
The statement was issued in Abuja on October 20, 2026.
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