APC Open to ‘Displaced Politicians,’ Says Ndume

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Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is ready to accommodate “displaced politicians” joining from other parties amid the rising wave of defections.

Ndume stated this at the Nnamdi Azikiwe 6th Annual Award Lecture 2025 (121st Posthumous Birthday Celebration) in Abuja.

The event, themed “The Power of Pan-African Unity: Strengthening Nigeria’s Role in African Integration and Development,” drew political leaders and dignitaries.

Call for Unity in Nigeria

Responding to former Niger State Governor Mu’azu Aliyu’s remarks that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had removed internal “cancer” by suspending members, Ndume stressed the importance of unity for Nigeria’s progress.

“I wish you good luck. You said you removed the cancer. I do not know whether it is too late or if your patient will be revived. We in APC have no choice but to accommodate our displaced politicians who are trooping in,” Ndume said.

He further emphasised support for President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, urging politicians to unite behind him to move the country forward.

PDP’s Struggle with Opposition Role

Ndume noted that other parties, particularly the PDP, are uncomfortable playing the minority or opposition role. He criticised the party’s preoccupation with challenging the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We are far from 2027, yet the PDP is gathering in Ibadan to plan against the APC. The doors of the APC were open, but overloading the party carries risks. When new members join without contributing, it affects overall performance,” Ndume said.

Aliyu Warns Against One-Party Dominance
Mu’azu Aliyu, chairman of the 2025 National Planning Committee for the lecture, condemned mass defections to the APC.

He warned against creating a one-party state and stressed that giving alternatives is necessary for a functioning democracy.

“There was a time when PDP had up to 28 governors, and no one cried foul. But people complain when their governors are taken away through bribery or intimidation. The constitution forbids taking mandates from one party to another,” Aliyu said.

He described the PDP’s recent efforts as a corrective measure to strengthen the party. “Like surgeons, we removed the cancer that had crippled the party. We hope the party will now provide Nigerians with real options,” he said.

Tijani Mohammad-Bande Urges Pan-African Unity

Tijani Mohammad-Bande, President of the 74th UN General Assembly session and chairman of the occasion, called for stronger unity within Nigeria and across Africa. He urged politicians to follow Nnamdi Azikiwe’s example of prioritising national interest over personal gain.

“Nothing will happen, and Nigerians must hear this: we can make no progress without purposeful unity. We must bring development, justice, and democracy to Africa, as Zik and other founding fathers intended,” Mohammad-Bande said.

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Rafiyat SADIQ

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Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.