NDC Blames APC for Candidate Defections, Plans Replacement Primaries

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has attributed recent defections of its candidates to the All Progressives Congress to deliberate inducements from the ruling party. According to a statement released Tuesday by NDC National Publicity Secretary Osa Director, the APC employed cash payments, promises of political positions, and other material benefits to attract opposition members to switch allegiances.

The NDC characterized those who accepted these offers as individuals lacking commitment to the party's core values and ideological principles. The party's leadership framed the departures as ultimately beneficial, suggesting that candidates swayed by financial incentives would not have remained dependable party representatives.

The NDC described the defectors' exit using colloquial language meant to convey dismissal of their departure. To address the vacancies created by these shifts, the NDC announced it would initiate fresh primary contests to select replacement candidates for the affected constituencies.

The party stated this process would align with requirements set out in the Electoral Act. According to the party's communication, these fresh elections would proceed without disrupting broader campaign preparations for the 2027 general election cycle.

The defection pattern reflects ongoing political realignments as parties position themselves for the next electoral contest. The NDC's response indicates the party views the departures as manageable through its internal replacement mechanisms rather than as a significant strategic setback.

The party's publicity secretary did not specify the number of candidates who switched to the APC or provide details about which constituencies would require fresh primaries.