Yobe ADC Denies Mass Defection to Wike-Backed PDP

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Yobe State has dismissed allegations of a mass defection of its members and supporters to a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporting Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike. State ADC chairman Umar Kalli Alhaji described the report, allegedly from Alhaji Abdullahi Usman Maigida, as false and untruthful.

Kalli challenged those behind the report to present evidence, stating that if such an event had occurred, they would have provided proof in the form of videos and images. He also denied claims that the Wike-aligned PDP faction has a political presence in Yobe, asserting that it lacks an office, structure or grassroots support in the region.

According to Kalli, the faction is also absent from most contested elective positions in the 2027 general elections within the zone. He suspected the report was either meant to draw attention to the FCT minister or to coerce money from him. Kalli urged the public, party members and stakeholders to disregard the report, calling it false and lacking any factual basis.

The allegation of defection came after a report claiming that Wike-aligned PDP members joined from the APC, ADC, NDC and other political groups in Nangere and Fune local government areas. The report also quoted PDP gubernatorial candidate Abdullahi Usman Maigida, stating that the influx of new members bolstered the party's grassroots structure ahead of the 2027 elections.

Prominent political figures, including Dr Ibrahim Aliyu, were reportedly among those who allegedly switched to the faction. However, the ADC did not provide specifics on the individuals mentioned in the report or address their alleged defections individually.