African Democratic Congress sees key ally defect to ruling APC and clarifies vice‑presidential stance

Aslam Aliyu, a long‑time ally of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and supporter of presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, announced she has left the party to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In her statement she said, “The ADC has no concrete plan for the country, other than to criticise the government without bringing a single viable solution to the table,” and urged Nigerians to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

ADC spokesperson Kenneth Okonkwo later denied reports that he opposed Rotimi Amaechi’s selection as the party’s vice‑presidential candidate. He said his earlier comments were a geopolitical expectation that the slot should go to the South‑East, noting that “I do not know where you got that from.” Okonkwo explained that electoral rules limited eligible South‑Eastern candidates and that Amaechi, who received over 500 votes in the primary, remains the party’s choice.

Both statements highlight internal tensions within the ADC as it prepares for the 2027 presidential election.