APC Members in Sokoto Jump Ship to ADC Amid Rising Disillusionment

In a notable political shift from Sokoto State, scores of members from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gada Local Government Area have defected to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) a move that underscores growing frustration with the current federal administration.

On Sunday, these defectors were formally received by Senator Abubakar Gada, a key figure in the ADC coalition. In his remarks, he emphasized that the exodus from the APC reflects a deepening erosion of public confidence in the party’s governance.

Addressing the gathering, Senator Gada lamented the worsening insecurity and economic challenges facing communities—notably in Sokoto East—where farming, the lifeblood of local livelihoods, has been severely disrupted. He painted a stark picture of how insecurity has triggered a ripple effect of poverty, unemployment, and hunger.

Framed by the ADC as a credible alternative to current leadership, the defections signal a broader appetite among Nigerians for fresh governance. Senator Gada asserted that ADC offers a platform capable of tackling insecurity head-on, reviving the economy, and restoring citizens’ confidence.

This defection fits into a wider pattern: dissatisfaction with the APC has catalyzed political realignments across the country. In Sokoto State, where Governor Ahmad Aliyu of the APC took office in 2023, questions of security and economic stability remain front of mind. Similar discontent has played out elsewhere, including high-profile shifts like that of former AGF Malami and other prominent figures joining the ADC earlier this year.

Agriculture is not just an industry in Sokoto it’s the backbone of many households. When farmlands become no-go zones because of banditry or terrorist threats, food security becomes national security. These defections thus reflect not just political disapproval, but a cry for leadership that delivers safety and stability.

In Gada LGA, the APC’s loss is more than numerical—it’s symbolic. As members seek refuge in the ADC, they carry with them community disillusionment, economic despair, and a desire for transformative governance. ADC’s reception of these members signals growing momentum, positioning it as an appealing alternative ahead of future elections. For Sokoto—and indeed Nigeria—security isn’t just a campaign promise; it’s a survival imperative. Whether this surge in defections represents a turning of the political tide remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: many Nigerians are voting with their feet.