By Prosper Mene
Hon. Kayauta Yakubu, the former National Woman Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party.
The defection ceremony took place on Tuesday at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. Yakubu was officially received into the party by the APC National Woman Leader, Dr. Mary Alile-Idele, in the presence of her supporters, political associates, and the APC Chairman for Kuje Area Council, Alhaji Adamu Danladi Ibrahim.
Speaking on behalf of the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Dr. Alile-Idele welcomed Yakubu, describing her move as joining “a growing and forward-moving political platform.” She highlighted the APC’s openness to Nigerians committed to national development and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for reforms in infrastructure, empowerment programs, and initiatives like the NELFUND student loan scheme, which has enhanced access to higher education.
Alile-Idele emphasized the party’s expanding membership as a sign of public confidence and urged others to join what she called “a moving train,” contrasting it with what she described as a “sinking ship” in Yakubu’s former party. She noted Yakubu’s influence, particularly among women, and expressed expectations for her active contribution ahead of future elections.
In her address, Hon. Kayauta Yakubu, a Kuje-born politician from Rubochi Ward in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), explained that her decision stemmed from her positive assessment of governance and development under the APC-led administration, particularly in areas like security and infrastructure.
“I decided to join the APC because I have seen the governance and progress of the administration… I felt I was wasting my time in my former party, so I chose to join this movement and contribute my quota,” she said. Yakubu stressed that the move was voluntary and driven by a desire to serve her people and support national growth. She added that the APC was not new to her, as she had been part of the party during its merger formation before leaving earlier.
The defection underscores ongoing political realignments in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Yakubu’s return to the APC, where she reportedly had prior ties, has been hailed by party leaders as a strategic gain for the ruling party.
