Aslam Aliyu, an ally of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in Zamfara state, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Aliyu said her decision followed a long reflection on Nigeria’s political direction and the capacity of the opposition to provide alternative governance.
“For almost two decades, I worked tirelessly within the political camp of H.E Atiku Abubakar ADC Presidential Candidate 2027. Throughout that entire period, my loyalty never wavered,” the statement reads.
“However, after almost two decades of dedicated engagement, it has become undeniably clear that the opposition lacks a meaningful development blueprint or a viable and sustainable national rescue plan.”
The Zamfara-born politician accused ADC of having “no concrete plan for the country”, other than “to criticise the government without bringing a single viable solution to the table”.
According to her, political culture must move past theatrical criticism and embrace measurable progress.
Declaring her support for President Bola Tinubu, Aliyu urged Nigerians, especially youths and women, to align with the current administration, insisting that the opposition cannot unseat him in 2027.
“I am a mother, calling on patriotic Nigerian youths, women, and forward-thinking opposition members to abandon counterproductive politics and join hands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” she said.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock Villa, as Bola Ahmed Tinubu will emerge as the winner of the presidential election come 2027, by the grace of Almighty Allah.”
She added that her defection was driven by a desire to contribute more effectively to national development under a structured political platform.
‘YOU’VE MADE THE RIGHT SWITCH’
Welcoming her into the ruling party, Nentawe Yilwatda, APC national chairman, said Aliyu’s move was a strong addition to the party’s ranks.
“Welcome to the All Progressives Congress, Gimbiya Dr Aslam Aliyu. You have made the right switch to join millions of other Progressives across Nigeria in furthering the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are proud to have you in our folds,” Yilwatda wrote in a post shared on X on Monday.
Aliyu was previously the leader of the Project Atiku Abubakar (PAA) 2027 and Zamfara Top 10, a forum of digital media stakeholders and online mobilisers that promoted the ADC’s presidential candidate’s ambition.
In July 2025, the former vice-president described Aliyu as a “top Zamfara politician” during a meeting with her team, noting her group’s role in past electoral engagements and opposition mobilisation efforts.
By Imoleayo Oyedeyi
