The political landscape of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) shifted significantly as the former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda, officially decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a high-profile ceremony at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside members of the National Working Committee (NWC), received Aduda and thousands of his supporters.
Welcoming the new entrants, Professor Yilwatda, described the APC as the only “true progressive” platform in Nigeria.
He took the opportunity to highlight the infrastructure milestones of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, specifically mentioning the Sokoto-Badagry Road project.
”That corridor is going to be a food corridor.
“It comes with over 300 dams for agriculture and livestock, strengthening the economy and social protection for the vulnerable. These are projects others had 24 years to do but never did.”
The National Chairman further claimed that under the current administration, Nigeria’s non-oil sector is dominating revenue for the first time, leading to a trade surplus where exports exceed imports.
Explaining his move, Senator Aduda cited “alignment and realignment” based on the visible developmental strides in the FCT under the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
He praised the President for granting the FCT autonomy from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission, which allows for career progression to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
”I was in the minority for nearly seven years and couldn’t get a ministerial slot for the FCT. This President has recognized us and gave us a seat in the Federal Executive Council,” Aduda said. “When a President recognizes your people, he deserves your support.”
Aduda, a political heavyweight in the FCT, dismissed the remaining opposition, labeling them “content creators” who could not win a single councilorship seat, and vowed to work toward an APC victory in the 2027 general elections.
The APC FCT Chairman, Abdulmalik Usman, described Aduda as a “political general” whose entry would consolidate the party’s grip on the territory.
He noted that with Aduda’s supporters, the APC is well-positioned to capture the 1.7 million registered voters in the FCT come 2027.
The event was attended by various FCT area council chairmen and party stalwarts, marking what the FCT Chairman called “another history-making day” for the ruling party.
