The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using financial inducements and political appointments to persuade some of its members to defect ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The opposition party described the defections as a case of “good riddance to bad rubbish,” insisting that those who left lacked the ideological commitment and values associated with its political platform.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NDC’s National Publicity Director, Osa Director, alleged that the APC had adopted what he described as desperate tactics to weaken the party by luring its candidates away with money and other material benefits.
The party, however, maintained that the departures would not undermine its preparations for the 2027 elections.
The NDC alleged that some of its candidates had abandoned the party after accepting inducements from the APC, describing their actions as politically motivated.
According to the party, the defections reflected a lack of commitment to its principles and objectives.
In the statement, the NDC said those who had accepted the alleged offers were never genuinely committed to the party’s ideals.
It added that the APC’s reported strategy of offering financial rewards, appointments and other benefits was an attempt to attract members who could be persuaded by personal gains.
The ruling party’s alleged involvement in the defections was presented as the NDC’s position in the statement; the party did not provide supporting evidence for the bribery claims in the report.
NDC Plans Fresh Congresses To Replace Defectors
Despite the departures, the NDC said it would move quickly to fill the vacant candidacies ahead of the 2027 polls.
The party announced plans to conduct fresh congresses to select replacements for defectors who had been nominated to contest elections in their respective constituencies.
It said the process would be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
The NDC also sought to reassure its members and supporters that the defections would not derail its electoral plans or diminish its political prospects.
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It urged them not to be discouraged by what it characterised as the ruling party’s attempts to attract some of its members.
Party Insists Defections Will Not Affect 2027 Ambitions
The NDC expressed confidence that it would remain focused on its political objectives despite the loss of some members to the APC.
In its statement, the party portrayed the defections as an attempt to disrupt its progress, while insisting that it remained committed to addressing Nigeria’s governance, security and economic challenges.
It also accused the ruling party of facing growing political difficulties, describing the defections as insufficient to alter the direction of the 2027 contest.
The NDC concluded by reaffirming its ambition to offer Nigerians an alternative political platform, declaring that “A New Nigeria is POssible. We can do it!”