A large number of supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lega Local Government Area of Kebbi State, marking one of the most significant political realignments in the state in recent months.
The defection occurred during a rally held at the weekend, where organisers of the event claimed that more than 120,000 APC supporters formally joined the ADC. While the figure could not be independently verified at the venue, the scale of the gathering underscored growing political discontent within the ruling party’s grassroots base in the area.
The ADC, in a statement shared through its mobilisation platforms, described the development as a “major boost” to its expansion drive ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party officials said the influx reflected dissatisfaction among APC supporters over internal party dynamics and governance concerns.
Political observers in Kebbi link the development to recent opposition mobilisation efforts led by prominent figures from the state. Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has openly aligned with the ADC and is believed to be playing a role in strengthening the party’s structure across Kebbi and other states.
Malami, who hails from Kebbi State, recently adopted the ADC as his political platform ahead of 2027. However, his current detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has added a complex dimension to the unfolding political narrative, raising questions about how legal and political developments may intersect in the months ahead.
The APC has not issued an official response to the reported defections as of the time of filing this report. Party insiders, however, have in the past dismissed similar movements as exaggerated, arguing that crowd sizes at rallies do not always translate into actual voter migration.
Analysts caution that while mass defections can signal shifting political loyalties, their long-term impact depends on sustained organisation, credible leadership and the ability of opposition parties to convert momentum into electoral strength.
The ADC has recorded a wave of defections in several parts of the country in recent months, positioning itself as a rallying point for opposition figures seeking alternatives ahead of the next general elections.
