BY EMMA PETER, ABUJA
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has described the defection of some of its candidates to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as “good riddance to bad rubbish,” accusing the ruling party of using money, political appointments and other material incentives to lure its members.
The party said the alleged defections were driven by personal financial interests rather than genuine political convictions, insisting that those who left lacked the ideological commitment and values of the NDC.
According to a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director, the NDC was aware of what it described as desperate and malicious tactics by the APC to induce some of its candidates to defect.
The party maintained that the defectors were never genuinely committed to its principles, adding that their departure would not derail its political ambitions.
“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,” the statement said.
The NDC further declared that it would immediately conduct fresh congresses to elect new candidates to replace those who had defected in the affected constituencies.
It said the planned exercise would be carried out in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, with the aim of producing candidates it considers credible, competent and trustworthy.
The party also urged its members, supporters and Nigerians not to be discouraged by the reported defections, describing the development as an attempt by the ruling party to weaken its growing political influence.
According to the statement, the NDC believes the alleged moves by the APC reflect concerns within the ruling party over the prospect of electoral defeat.
“These are the last kicks of a dying horse that has seen the handwriting on the wall of its imminent defeat,” the party stated.
Reaffirming its political objectives, the NDC said it remained committed to what it described as its historic mission of rescuing Nigeria from poor governance and delivering improved security, prosperity and effective leadership to citizens.
The party accused those in power of holding the country in a “vice grip” and pledged to work towards providing Nigerians with the governance and development they desire.
It concluded its statement with a message of optimism about the country’s political future, declaring that “a new Nigeria is possible” and expressing confidence in its ability to contribute to that vision.
