The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced plans to conduct fresh primaries to replace candidates who have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The party also accused the APC of enticing some of its candidates with money, political appointments and other material benefits to abandon its platform.
The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, condemning what the party described as deliberate attempts by the ruling party to weaken its ranks ahead of future elections.
According to the statement, the NDC believes that some of its candidates were persuaded to defect for financial and personal interests rather than ideological conviction.
“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 alleged that the APC had resorted to offering financial inducements, political appointments and other incentives to lure candidates away from the NDC.
Describing the alleged defections as a reflection of weak political commitment, the party said those who had left its fold did not share its values and principles.
“For those who have fallen for this bait, it is clear that they lack the values, virtues, and ideological commitment associated with our great party. They were never truly of us,” the statement added.
The NDC, however, said the development would not derail its political activities, announcing that it would immediately organise fresh congresses to select replacements for the affected candidates.
“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 constituencies,” Director said.
The party urged its members, supporters and Nigerians sympathetic to its cause not to be discouraged by the defections, insisting that the alleged moves by the APC would not undermine its electoral prospects.
It further described the ruling party’s alleged recruitment efforts as signs of political desperation, expressing confidence that the APC could be defeated in future elections.
Reaffirming its commitment to its political agenda, the NDC said it remained determined to challenge the ruling party and promote good governance, improved security and economic prosperity.
The party maintained that the defections would not distract it from what it described as its mission to rescue Nigeria from poor governance and provide Nigerians with better leadership.
