By Abubakar Yunusa
A coalition of youth leaders and political groups across the country on Tuesday defected from the All Progressives Congress to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, citing exclusion and a loss of direction within the ruling party.
The defection was announced during a solidarity visit to the National Leader of the NDC, Henry Seriake Dickson, in Abuja.
The group, led by former Special Adviser on Youth Matters at the APC National Headquarters, Hon. Nasir Lawal, said the move followed widespread dissatisfaction among young party members.
Lawal stated that many youths had become “internally displaced” within the APC, alleging increasing marginalisation of both young people and women in party affairs.
According to him, the party had strayed from its founding ideals, with decision-making and campaign structures now controlled by a narrow circle of political elites, including serving and former governors and lawmakers.
He added that grassroots members who contributed to the party’s rise were being sidelined, while opportunities were concentrated among a select few, breeding discontent among loyal supporters.
Lawal further accused the party leadership of being disconnected from pressing national issues, particularly insecurity, noting that more attention was being paid to political calculations ahead of future elections than governance.
He said the decision to join the NDC followed extensive consultations with stakeholders across states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“Politics must reflect the interests of the masses,” Lawal said, describing the defection as a commitment to a more inclusive and people-oriented platform.
Responding, Dickson welcomed the defectors, describing their decision as courageous and patriotic.
“I am impressed with the quality and capacity of Nigerian youths. They have what it takes to change the narrative of governance in our country,” he said.
The former Bayelsa State governor assured the new entrants of full integration, directing that they liaise with NDC state chairmen nationwide to participate fully in party activities.
He reiterated the party’s commitment to inclusivity, noting that members were free to contest elective positions based on merit.
Dickson also stressed that Nigeria’s greatest asset remained its human capital, expressing confidence in the ability of young people to drive meaningful change.
“The NDC is a party for all Nigerians,” he added.
