Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Idi Hong, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a move that is expected to reshape political alignments in Adamawa State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Hong was received into the APC on Tuesday at the party’s secretariat in Yola amid a rousing welcome by party leaders, stakeholders and a large crowd of supporters.

The defection, which follows weeks of speculation, comes after what the former minister described as “extensive consultations” with members of his political structure and loyalists across the state.

Speaking, Hong declared that his continued stay in the PDP was no longer in the best interest of his supporters or their collective political future. He characterised his move to the APC as a return “back home,” expressing satisfaction with the reception accorded him by the party.

According to him, the decision was driven by a desire to advance development in Adamawa and contribute meaningfully to national progress.

He expressed confidence that the APC provides a more viable and strategic platform to actualise his political aspirations and pledged to bring his experience to bear in strengthening the party’s structure.

In a significant directive, Hong urged members of his political network to resign from the PDP and fully align with the APC, assuring them of his commitment to work tirelessly for the party’s success in the 2027 polls.

Welcoming the former minister, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Idris Shuaibu, represented by Hassan Babuto, assured Hong of equal rights and opportunities within the party.

He described the defection as a major boost to the APC’s grassroots strength.
Also speaking, Aliyu Ahmed, APC Chairman in Hong Local Government Area, pledged the party’s support for Hong in whatever capacity he chooses to serve.

He described the APC as a peaceful and progressive platform committed to inclusiveness and unity, revealing that the former minister had formally registered in Shangui Ward of LG Hong LGA.

Ahmed, however, issued a strong warning against any attempt to impose leadership on the party in the state. He reaffirmed that Malam Nuhu Ribadu remains the recognised leader of the APC in Adamawa and cautioned that members would resist any external interference in the party’s affairs.