A prominent political ally of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in Zamfara State, Dr. Aslam Aliyu, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Aliyu announced her defection in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, saying the decision followed careful reflection on Nigeria’s political future and the ability of the opposition to provide a credible alternative for governance.
She said she had spent nearly two decades working within Atiku Abubakar’s political camp, maintaining unwavering loyalty throughout the period. However, she noted that she had come to the conclusion that the opposition lacked a clear development agenda and a sustainable blueprint for addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
According to her, the opposition has failed to move beyond criticism of the government by offering practical and workable solutions to the country’s socio-economic and political problems.
Aliyu stressed that Nigeria’s political landscape should focus on measurable progress, development and effective governance rather than what she described as “theatrical criticism.”
Declaring her support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, she called on Nigerian youths, women and other opposition members to support the current administration in the interest of national development.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock Villa, as Bola Ahmed Tinubu will emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election by the grace of Almighty Allah,” she stated.
Aliyu explained that her decision to join the APC was motivated by her desire to contribute more effectively to national development through what she described as a structured political platform capable of delivering meaningful change.
Reacting to the development, APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, welcomed Aliyu into the party, describing her defection as a significant boost to the APC.
In a message shared on X on Monday, Yilwatda said Aliyu’s decision reflected growing support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“You have made the right decision to join millions of other Progressives across Nigeria in advancing the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda. We are proud to have you in our fold,” he said.
Before her defection, Aliyu served as leader of Project Atiku Abubakar (PAA) 2027 and Zamfara Top 10, a coalition of digital media stakeholders and online mobilisers that supported Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 election.
In July 2025, Atiku had described Aliyu as one of Zamfara State’s leading politicians during a meeting with her team, acknowledging her contributions to previous election campaigns and opposition mobilisation efforts.
Her defection is the latest in a series of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election as political parties intensify efforts to strengthen their support base across the country.
