PRP Chieftain Tunde Alli, NNPP’s Yahaya, Others Dump Parties for NDC

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) recorded a fresh wave of defections on Saturday as prominent politicians from different parties formally joined its fold at a reception in Abuja.

Among the high-profile entrants were former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Babatunde Alli, and the 2023 governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Taraba State, Mohammed Sani Yahaya. They were joined by former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, alongside their supporters and political structures.

The new members were received by the party’s National Leader, Henry Seriake Dickson, and the National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, who described the development as a sign of growing national acceptance of the party.

Saturday’s event featured the formal decoration of the defectors with NDC fez caps and the presentation of membership cards, symbolising their full integration into the party.

Welcoming them, Dickson said the increasing influx of political actors into the NDC reflected confidence in its vision for national renewal and inclusive governance. He urged the new members to work collectively to strengthen the party’s presence across the country.

The National Chairman, Cleopas, also charged the defectors to align with the party’s principles and contribute to building a cohesive structure capable of delivering results in the coming elections.

Explaining his decision to leave the PRP, Alli said internal challenges within his former party made it difficult for him to remain.

“Every political party in this country needs inclusivity, youth participation, and fair processes,” he said. “When those principles are weakened, it becomes difficult for some of us to remain. The emergence of the NDC has given me renewed hope that politics can be done differently.”

On his part, Yahaya declared that his entire political base in Taraba State had moved with him to the NDC, pledging total commitment to the party’s growth.

“From the polling unit to the state level, we are joining the NDC in total. We have built a foundation already; what remains is to complete the structure, and that structure is the NDC,” he said, expressing confidence ahead of the 2027 elections.

Also speaking, Agbonayinma said the current state of the nation demanded a new political direction, describing the NDC as a credible alternative platform.

“Nigeria is bleeding and searching for direction. I believe the NDC offers a platform for renewal and for restoring hope,” he said.

The latest defections are expected to strengthen the NDC’s national spread as it continues to attract politicians from across party lines, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.