2027: APC Gains ADC, NDC Legislative Candidates as Yilwatda Highlights Tinubu’s Projects in North
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has received legislative candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) from five Northern states, as political realignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defectors, who include candidates for the House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly from Taraba, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna and Plateau states, were formally welcomed into the ruling party by its National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.
At the reception, Yilwatda called on the new members to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that the administration’s infrastructure investments and economic policies demonstrated its commitment to national development and unity.
The APC chairman dismissed claims that the North had been neglected under Tinubu, pointing to ongoing road, rail and gas infrastructure projects across the region.
Among the projects he referenced were the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Maiduguri road corridors, as well as routes linking Kano to Daura and Sokoto to Kebbi.
He argued that these investments would improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and create opportunities for businesses and communities across Northern Nigeria.
Yilwatda also highlighted the potential benefits of gas infrastructure, saying improved gas supply could support electricity generation, fertiliser production and the adoption of compressed natural gas as a cheaper transportation alternative.
He added that improved rail links and inland container facilities could expand commercial activities in the North and strengthen trade with neighbouring landlocked countries.
Defending the administration’s economic reforms, Yilwatda warned against proposals to restore fuel subsidies, arguing that the move could divert funds from infrastructure projects and place additional pressure on government finances.
He said the reforms were intended to address inherited financial obligations and provide the government with greater capacity to finance development initiatives.
The APC chairman also cited pension liabilities, debts owed to power-generation companies and outstanding payments to foreign airlines and investors as some of the obligations the administration had reportedly addressed.
According to him, reversing the current policies could weaken public investment and threaten the sustainability of ongoing development programmes.
Welcoming the defectors, Yilwatda said their decision to join the APC presented an opportunity to work towards a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
“I’m happy that you are coming to join us, because we can build a stronger Nigeria, a more united Nigeria, a Nigeria that will work for the prosperity of the common man on the street,” he said.
He urged the new members to support policies that promote economic growth, national cohesion and opportunities for younger generations.
The delegation was led by Princess Dr. Aslam Aliyu of Zamfara State, Hon. Mohammed Dantine of the NDC in Kaduna State, and Professor Murtala Aliyu of the ADC in Taraba State.
The event comes as political parties and their supporters position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the APC calling on the new entrants to strengthen its grassroots presence in their respective communities.
Note: Both versions retain the central claims in the original report. Before publication, consider independently verifying the identities and affiliations of the defectors, the states represented, and the claims about outstanding debts settled by the Federal Government.
