By Jane Okeke
Some youth leaders and political groups have defected from the All Progressives Congress to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, citing alleged marginalisation and lack of inclusiveness within the ruling party.
The defectors announced their decision on Tuesday during a visit to the NDC National Leader, Henry Seriake Dickson, in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the group, a former APC youth adviser, Nasir Lawal, said young members had become sidelined in party affairs.
He alleged that the APC had drifted from its founding ideals, with decision-making concentrated among a few political elites.
Lawal also accused the party leadership of focusing more on future elections than addressing pressing national issues such as insecurity.
According to him, the move to the NDC followed consultations with stakeholders across the country.
In his response, Dickson welcomed the new members, commending their decision.
“I am impressed with the quality and capacity of Nigerian youths,” he said, assuring them of equal opportunities within the party.
He added that the NDC would integrate them into its structures nationwide and encouraged them to mobilise more supporters.
APC youths, groups dump party for NDC over ‘exclusion’
