Former senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Philip Tanimu Aduda, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), joining the growing list of politicians leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
 
Aduda, a known ally of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced his defection yesterday at the APC national secretariat in Abuja while addressing journalists.
 
He pledged to deliver a sweeping victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that his entry into the ruling party would significantly boost its electoral fortunes in Abuja.

The former lawmaker formalised his defection during a meeting with the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, which was attended by a large number of his supporters.
 
Aduda assured that the APC would secure a “100 per cent victory” in the FCT, citing the outcome of the recent Area Council elections where the party won five out of six chairmanship seats as a sign of its growing dominance.
 
He acknowledged that his previous political position may have contributed to the party’s past challenges in the territory, noting that he has now “aligned and realigned” to support the President ahead of 2027.
 
“I have formally joined the APC, and by the grace of God, we will deliver completely for Mr President,” he said.
 
In his remarks, Yilwatda described Aduda’s defection as part of a broader wave of opposition figures joining the ruling party, attributing the trend to the appeal of the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Relatedly, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed’s silence on his possible exit from the PDP is troubling thousands of his loyalists and supporters.
 
The Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum is reportedly making a move to join the APC.

The governor is yet to deny or confirm the reports, but when our correspondent visited the seat of power yesterday, the PDP flag was seen flying.
 
Meanwhile, one of the key party men, who asked for anonymity, said there are strong indications within the party that Mohammed has defected. The source said there is more pressure now than before.

“He told us that he won’t go to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and he was not ready to reconcile with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in the fragmented PDP. Definitely, His Excellency is going to the APC. He has not told us when he will announce his defection but I know it will be after Salah,” the source said.
 
Mohammed’s Special Adviser on Media, Mukhtar Gidado, did not comment on the situation when contacted.
 
Additionally, a cabinet member also confirmed that “there is an ongoing discussion at the top. We are waiting for their conclusion. But as far as we are concerned, wherever the governor moves to, we are going with him. He is our political party.”