Ahead of the 2027 general elections, no fewer than 4,000 members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, including the Deputy Chairman, Mr. Okechukwu Idenyi, and the Secretary, Barr. Solomon Adum, have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State.

The defectors were formally received on Saturday at a political rally in Isu Community, Onicha Local Government Area, by the PDP State Chairman, Hon. Chukwuma Igwe.

The PDP chairman described the defection as a “major boost” to the party’s growing influence in the state, saying the experience and political reach of the new entrants would strengthen the PDP’s structure ahead of the forthcoming polls.

“We assure the defectors of equal opportunities within the party. We urge you to work collectively with existing members to advance the party’s objectives and provide a credible alternative for the people of Ebonyi in 2027,” Igwe stated.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, former NDC Secretary, Mr. Solomon Adum, said the decision followed extensive consultations with their supporters.

“Our decision was driven by our confidence in the PDP’s vision for democratic governance, unity, and sustainable development in the state,” Adum said.

“We pledge to work with the leadership of the PDP to expand the party’s grassroots support ahead of future political activities. We are committed to promoting peace, internal democracy, and issue-based politics,” he added.

Also speaking, the PDP flag bearer for Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency, Mr. Felix Igboke, described the PDP as “a moving train.” He charged the defectors to be steadfast and work to ensure that the PDP wins the 2027 general election. According to him, those who work shall reap the fruits of their labour.

“PDP is the party that has built sustainability. The 2027 election is the time to work together to ensure that we win. I welcome all the defectors to the party, and I believe we will win in 2027. Ours is a moving train,” Igboke said.

Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has criticised former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Ali Pantami over his past description of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as an “infidel party”, while reaffirming his long-standing loyalty to the opposition party.

Lamido made the remarks while receiving PDP governorship candidates from Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Yobe and Jigawa states at his residence in Bamaina, Jigawa State, on Saturday.

Reflecting on the PDP’s years in power, Lamido said the party was repeatedly criticised by political opponents and some Islamic preachers.

“The PDP was labelled corrupt, and some even described it as an ‘infidel party.’ Despite all that, I remained in the party because it gave me the opportunity to serve Nigeria as Minister of Foreign Affairs and twice as Governor of Jigawa State,” he said.

The former governor disclosed that after the 2015 general elections, senior figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC), including former President Muhammadu Buhari, President Bola Tinubu and former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, visited him in Dutse to persuade him to join the ruling party.

“I told them I could not abandon the party that made me who I am. Instead, I challenged them to come and join the PDP,” Lamido stated.

He also recalled that Pantami, while serving as Chief Imam of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Jumu’ah Mosque, allegedly delivered sermons in which he prayed against the PDP and referred to it as an “infidel party.”

According to Lamido, Pantami later joined the PDP after failing to secure the APC governorship ticket in Gombe State, a move that generated widespread public debate.

Pantami has not publicly responded to Lamido’s latest comments.

The exchange comes as political realignments and defections gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Former Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba (retd.), has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Abba announced his defection on Saturday during a courtesy visit to elder statesman and founding PDP member, Sule Lamido, at his hometown of Bamaina in Jigawa State.

The former police chief said his decision was driven by his desire to continue serving his people, following growing calls from his constituents to contest the Jigawa South-West Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

According to him, his previous attempt to secure the APC senatorial ticket was unsuccessful despite meeting all the screening requirements.

“You are aware that I aspired to become a senator under the APC, but unfortunately, I was not even allowed to participate in the primary election after successfully passing the screening process. My motivation has always been to serve my community, and with the experience, education, and good health that God has blessed me with, I have decided to join the PDP, where my contributions will be appreciated,” Abba said.

Speaking during the event, Sule Lamido described Abba’s defection as a significant gain for the PDP as preparations for the 2027 elections gathered momentum.

“This is a major catch for the PDP. A personality with Abba’s credentials brings credibility, experience, and wider acceptance to our party,” Lamido stated.

He also expressed optimism that more politicians would join the PDP, pointing to the presence of the party’s governorship candidates from Kano, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Jigawa states at the gathering as evidence of growing political alignment across the region.

Similarly, the Jigawa State Chairman of the PDP, Babandi Gumel, said the party had commenced efforts to integrate Abba and his supporters into its structures across the state.

“With the entry of IGP Abba and his numerous supporters, the PDP is becoming stronger, particularly in Jigawa South-West,” Gumel said.