The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State has received over 1,000 defectors from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the party intensified its electronic membership registration across local government areas.
A source in the party said the defectors were led by Mr. Acho Righteous, former ADC candidate for Gassol I State Assembly in the 2023 elections, alongside a PDP chieftain, Mr. Abubakar Surajo.
Speaking at the defection event, Righteous attributed his decision to join the APC to what he described as the positive outcomes of reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the recent political alignment of Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, with the ruling party.
He also cited encouragement from Mr. Seyi Tinubu and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, noting that their engagement with youths influenced his move.
“With over 1,000 supporters from Sabon-Gida Ward in Gassol Local Government Area, we have decided to leave the ADC for the APC,” Righteous said.
He added that his supporters had already commenced the party’s ongoing electronic registration to enable them become full members and stakeholders.
Righteous further commended the Federal Government’s Student Loan Scheme under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a major intervention that has expanded access to education for young Nigerians by easing tuition costs.
He said the administration of Gov. Kefas was beginning to deliver tangible benefits to residents of Taraba State, stressing that his supporters were eager to be part of what he described as the state’s emerging progress under the APC.
Righteous urged politicians in other parties to consider joining the APC, which he described as a growing political force in the state.
Earlier, the APC Chairman in Gassol Local Government Area, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu, welcomed the defectors and assured them of equal opportunities and full integration within the party.
Adamu also encouraged residents across the state to participate in the ongoing APC e-registration exercise, noting that Gassol had remained a strong support base for the party and was currently leading in the number of newly registered members.
As part of the visit, Righteous and his supporters paid courtesy calls on traditional rulers in the area, including the District Head of Kwararafa, Alhaji Samaila Sallah; a village head, Mr. Isaac Ibrahim; and the Ter Tiv Dan-Anacha, Mr. Daniel Mbaterem.
