Abuja — Nigeria’s political landscape has shifted as a significant coalition of youth leaders and grassroots groups defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the opposition Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The defectors, led by Nasir Lawal—a former special adviser on youth matters at the APC national headquarters—cited “systemic marginalisation” and a lack of internal democracy within the governing party as the primary drivers for their exit. The move comes at a sensitive time for the APC, as internal critics increasingly voice concerns over the party’s inclusivity ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
‘Internally Displaced’
Speaking in the capital, Abuja, during a meeting with NDC National Leader Henry Seriake Dickson, Mr Lawal claimed that young members had become “internally displaced” within their own party.”Many committed young members have been sidelined,” Mr Lawal told reporters. “The party structures and campaign activities are now dominated by a small circle of political elites, leaving little room for broader participation.”Mr Lawal also criticised the ruling party’s handling of Nigeria’s “pressing national challenges,” specifically citing the ongoing insecurity across the country. He alleged that the APC leadership had prioritised political manoeuvring over the safety and welfare of citizens.
A Platform for Inclusion
Welcoming the new members, Mr Dickson—the former governor of Bayelsa State—praised the youth leaders for their “courage” and promised a more egalitarian approach to governance.”I am impressed with the capacity of Nigerian youths,” Mr Dickson said. “They have what it takes to offer leadership and change the narrative of governance in our country.”He issued the following pledges to the defectors:
Full Integration: New members will be immediately connected with NDC state structures across Nigeria’s 36 states.
Affirmative Action: A commitment to youth and women’s participation in party decision-making.
Equal Opportunity: A guarantee that all members, regardless of tenure, have an equal right to contest elective positions.
Widening the Net
The NDC leader also claimed that the party is seeing a broader surge in support, noting that several women political leaders from across the country have recently aligned with the party. The APC has yet to issue an official response to the mass defection, but the departure of a high-ranking youth coordinator like Mr. Lawal suggests a growing rift between the party’s old guard and its younger base. As Nigeria grapples with economic pressures and security concerns, the NDC appears to be positioning itself as a “big tent” alternative, focusing its rhetoric on inclusivity and grassroots mobilisation.
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