NDC lashes out as candidates dump party for APC

By Tolulope Oke

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has lashed out at some of its candidates who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing their departure as “good riddance to bad rubbish.”

The opposition party also accused the APC of using money, political appointments and other incentives to lure its candidates away ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC alleged that the defections were motivated by personal financial interests rather than political convictions.

“It has come to the attention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, that some candidates of our party have been bribed by the APC to defect to the ruling and ruinous All Progressives Congress, APC, obviously for pecuniary reasons,” the statement read.

The party accused the APC of deliberately targeting its candidates with financial inducements and promises of political appointments.

It maintained that those who accepted such offers lacked the ideological commitment expected of NDC members.

“They were never truly of us. To them, we say good riddance to bad rubbish, and we wish them luck in their political misadventures,” Director declared.

The NDC announced plans to conduct fresh congresses to replace the defecting candidates in the affected constituencies.

“In line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, the party will immediately conduct fresh congresses to elect credible, competent and trustworthy candidates to replace the defectors in the affected constituency,” the statement added.

Director urged party members and supporters not to be discouraged by the defections, insisting that the NDC remained committed to its political objectives.

“These are the last kicks of a dying horse that has seen the handwriting on the wall of its imminent defeat,” he said.

The party maintained that it remained determined to pursue its ambition of providing an alternative government and delivering improved security, governance and economic prosperity.

However, the NDC did not identify the affected candidates or provide evidence supporting its bribery allegations in the statement.