Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, has formally resigned from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a significant development in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The announcement of his defection came on Wednesday, concluding weeks of speculation and political discussions regarding his next steps after growing internal tensions within APGA. His departure signals a shift in the dynamics of opposition politics in the Southeast region.
Abaribe explained that he could no longer reconcile with the party due to persistent internal disagreements and irreconcilable differences with APGA’s leadership and overall direction. According to him, repeated attempts at dialogue and resolution within the party structures were unsuccessful, leaving him with no viable choice but to seek a new political platform.
The senator highlighted that the ADC provided a clearer and more principled framework that aligns with his values, especially his commitment to democratic accountability, good governance, and national renewal. He emphasized that his decision followed extensive consultations with political associates, advisors, and his constituents, reflecting a collective endorsement of his move.
“After wide consultations with political colleagues, stakeholders, and members of my constituency, I have taken the decision to formally resign from APGA and align with the African Democratic Congress, which offers a more coherent vision for governance, democracy, and national progress,” Abaribe stated during his announcement.
He further underlined the importance of building a strong, credible opposition capable of presenting Nigerians with an alternative to the ruling party in the 2027 elections, stressing that the ADC provides a platform for principled political engagement and national development goals.
Abaribe’s exit from APGA comes after months of tension over internal party democracy, candidate selection processes, and what he perceived as the marginalization of key stakeholders. He had repeatedly criticized APGA’s leadership for taking unilateral decisions, neglecting consensus-building, and failing to uphold the party’s founding ideals in strategic decisions.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that the senator was particularly concerned about APGA’s political strategies in Abia State, including alliances and interactions with the ruling party, which he believed were inconsistent with the party’s vision and undermined its long-term relevance in the region.
As a former deputy governor of Abia State and one of APGA’s most prominent national figures, Abaribe’s defection is expected to have ripple effects, potentially influencing political alignments not just in Abia South but across the Southeast. Political analysts suggest that his move strengthens the ADC’s position and could reshape opposition strategies as the 2027 elections approach.
The development has drawn widespread attention among political commentators, party officials, and the electorate, many of whom are keenly observing how Abaribe’s influence and followership will translate into tangible political outcomes for his new party ahead of the next electoral cycle.
In summary, Abaribe’s move underscores the fluidity of Nigeria’s political landscape, highlighting the ongoing realignment of politicians and parties in response to internal party conflicts, governance principles, and the strategic pursuit of national political influence.