Former Gombe Deputy Governor, Natasha Idibia, Others Defect to NDC

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The newly formed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Wednesday gained significant political momentum as prominent figures, including a two-term former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, John Lazarus Yoriyo, and two serving members of the Edo State House of Assembly, formally joined the party in Abuja.

The high-profile defections, which also included Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian and Natasha Idibia, wife of popular Nigerian musician Innocent “2Face” Idibia, took place at a ceremony hosted by the NDC National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.

The event drew politicians, civil society actors, and supporters from across the country, with party leaders describing it as a sign of widening acceptance of the NDC as a fresh political alternative.

Other notable attendees included activist Aisha Yesufu, former Zamfara Senator Kabiru Marafa, music star Innocent Idibia (2Face Idibia), and several political stakeholders from Edo State.

The highlight of the ceremony was the formal defection of Edo State House of Assembly Minority Leader, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, alongside Natasha Idibia and other political actors into the NDC.

Speaking at the event, national leader of the party, Senator Dickson said the party was created to restore ideological politics and address what he described as a deepening leadership crisis in Nigeria.

He said the NDC is committed to building a political movement rooted in internal democracy, accountability, and national cohesion.

“This party is not a platform for transactional politics. We want to institutionalize a political movement that will outlive all of us, a party for our children and grandchildren,” Dickson said.

He also criticised the state of existing political structures, arguing that long-standing parties had been weakened by internal divisions and personal interests.

“What happened to Nigeria’s political heritage? Today, we are witnessing the dismantling of political institutions by those who should preserve them,” he added.

Dickson stressed that the NDC remains open to Nigerians across political divides who share its vision of national rebuilding.

Explaining his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Aiguobarueghian described the decision as painful but unavoidable, citing prolonged internal crises.

“A captain will not remain in a sinking ship so that he will perish with it. That will not be heroism; that will be cowardice,” he said.

He accused entrenched interests and internal wrangling of weakening the PDP, adding that instability within the party made continued membership difficult.

The Edo lawmaker also listed his legislative achievements, including sponsorship of 44 bills in under two years, as well as constituency projects such as school renovations, transformer installations, and water schemes across communities.

He further disclosed increasing pressure from constituents urging him to contest a seat in the House of Representatives.

Speaking also, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Hon. Abdulmumin Abdusalam, described the defections as “epoch-making,” saying the party was steadily attracting influential political actors nationwide.

“Our party is like the beautiful bride every groom wants right now,” Abdusalam said.

He added that more governors, former governors, lawmakers, and political stakeholders were expected to join the party in the coming weeks.

Abdusalam also confirmed that preparations for the party’s national convention were underway, describing it as a test of its commitment to internal democracy.

He, however, dismissed claims that the party had already zoned its presidential ticket to the South in favour of Labour Party’s Peter Obi.

“Politics is dynamic. We have not zoned the presidency to the South. Consultations are ongoing and all scenarios are possible,” he said.

Meanwhile, 2Face Idibia urged Nigerians to participate actively in the political process and hold leaders accountable.

“We want to see results. Everybody should use their conscience and understanding to make the right choices,” he said.

Political observers at the event said the growing influx into the NDC reflects increasing dissatisfaction with established parties and signals a possible shift in Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of future elections.