Former Gombe Deputy Governor, Edo Lawmakers, Natasha Idibia, Others Defect to NDC Amid Political Realignment
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has recorded a major political boost following the defection of former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, John Lazarus Yoriyo, two serving lawmakers from the Edo State House of Assembly, and several political figures into the party.
The event, which held in Abuja on Wednesday, was hosted by the National Leader of the NDC and former Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson.
Among personalities present were activist Aisha Yesufu, former Zamfara senator Kabiru Marafa, and music star 2Baba.
The highlight of the gathering was the reception of the Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Honourable Charity Aiguobarueghian, Honourable Natasha Idibia, and other political stakeholders from Edo State into the NDC.
Speaking at the event, Dickson said the NDC was established to restore ideological politics and strengthen democratic values in Nigeria.
“This party is not a platform for transactional politics. We want to institutionalize a political movement that will outlive all of us — a party for our children and grandchildren,” he said.
He also blamed internal crises and selfish interests for weakening many political institutions and parties in the country.
Explaining his decision to leave the PDP, Aiguobarueghian described the move as necessary due to the lingering crisis within the opposition party.
“A captain will not remain in a sinking ship so that he will perish with it. That will not be heroism; that will be cowardice,” he stated.
He further accused selfish interests and prolonged infighting of crippling the PDP and weakening its chances as a viable opposition platform.
Also speaking, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Honourable Abdulmumin Abdusalam, described the defections as a major milestone for the party.
“Our party is like the beautiful bride every groom wants right now,” Abdusalam said.
He added that more governors, former governors and lawmakers were expected to join the party in the coming weeks.
Abdusalam also dismissed reports suggesting that the party had already zoned its presidential ticket to the South in favour of Peter Obi.
“Politics is dynamic. We have not zoned the presidency to the South. Consultations are ongoing and all scenarios are possible,” he said.
Meanwhile, 2Baba urged Nigerians to make informed political decisions and hold leaders accountable.
“We want to see results. Everybody should use their conscience and understanding to make the right choices,” he stated.
Political observers described the growing momentum around the NDC as a reflection of increasing dissatisfaction with mainstream political parties and a sign of shifting alliances ahead of future elections.
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