By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
SIGNS of internal disunity have emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the defection of its National Women Leader, Hon. Kayauta Yakubu, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Yakubu formally joined the APC on Tuesday at an elaborate defection ceremony held at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
She was received by the APC National Women Leader, Dr Mary Alile-Idele, alongside her supporters and close political associates.
Speaking on behalf of the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Dr Alile-Idele expressed delight over Yakubu’s decision, describing it as a move into a “growing and forward-moving political platform”.
She said the APC remains open to all Nigerians willing to contribute to national development, adding that the party’s expanding membership reflects growing public confidence in its leadership and policies.
Dr Alile-Idele commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what she described as focused and positive reforms, infrastructural development and empowerment initiatives, including the student loan scheme under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which she said has improved access to higher education for Nigerian youths.
While formally receiving the defecting leader, Dr Alile-Idele said:
“On behalf of the National Chairman of our party, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, I am delighted to receive my sister and friend, the former National Women Leader of the ADC, who has decided to leave a sinking ship and join a moving train, the APC.
“The APC is not closing its doors. Everyone is welcome. If you look at how our party is growing, you will know that we are doing something right. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has introduced many positive reforms, including empowerment initiatives, infrastructural development and programmes we have not seen before.
“Through NELFUND, students can now access loans to pursue higher education, something that was not available in our time. That is commendable. If you see the right path, you follow those who know the way. People should come to the APC before the ADC ship goes down.
“You did not come alone; you came with your supporters. As a former National Women Leader, you command a large following of women. We expect you to hit the ground running because elections are won by numbers.”
In her response, Hon. Yakubu said her decision to leave the ADC was informed by her assessment of governance and development under the APC-led administration.
The Kuje-born politician from Rubochi Ward in the Federal Capital Territory said she joined the APC voluntarily to contribute to national growth and grassroots political development.
“I decided to join the APC because I have seen the progress of this administration, particularly in the areas of security and development. I felt I was wasting my time in my former party, so I chose to join this movement and contribute my quota,” she said.
“Nobody persuaded me. I made this decision on my own because of the progress the country is making. I want to serve my people and ensure that FCT has a daughter who can contribute meaningfully within the APC.
“The APC is not new to me. I was part of the party during the merger but later left. Today, because of the progress of this administration, I have decided to return home. I was a lost daughter, but now I am found.”
Also speaking, the APC Chairman for Kuje Area Council, Alhaji Adamu Danladi Ibrahim, welcomed Yakubu back to the party, describing her as a founding member with proven mobilisation capacity.
He expressed confidence that her return would strengthen the party ahead of the forthcoming Area Council elections.
“We are glad to receive our sister into this great party. Hon. Kayauta Yakubu is one of the founding members of the APC, and today she has returned to where she belongs. Her capacity to mobilise and galvanise support will greatly enhance our prospects as the elections draw near,” he said.
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