Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of offering money, political appointments and other incentives to lure its candidates into defecting to the ruling party.
Gatekeepers News reports that the party made the allegation in a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, who described the alleged inducements as attempts by the APC to weaken the opposition party.
NDC said some of its candidates had been targeted with financial offers and political appointments to persuade them to abandon the party.
It described those who had defected as lacking the values and ideological commitment expected of its members, adding that their departure would not undermine its political ambitions.
The party also announced plans to conduct fresh congresses to elect replacement candidates in constituencies affected by the defections, citing provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Director urged party members and supporters not to be discouraged by the development, insisting that the NDC remained committed to providing Nigerians with good governance, security and prosperity.
The statement came less than 24 hours after Ibrahim Kashim, the NDC governorship candidate in Bauchi State, announced his resignation from the party. In a resignation letter dated October 16, Kashim said his decision followed careful reflection but did not diminish his commitment to the political struggle for a better Bauchi State.
Although Kashim did not disclose his next political destination, reports indicated that he might join the APC.
NDC had also lost Senator Rufai Hanga, who represents Kano Central and was the party’s only senator from northern Nigeria. Hanga resigned from the party in August and formally joined the APC on September 6.
Additionally, some House of Representatives and state House of Assembly candidates from the NDC and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Taraba, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano and Plateau states reportedly defected to the ruling party.
NDC did not name the candidates it accused the APC of attempting to lure or provide specific details of the alleged offers.
APC had not responded to the allegations in the report as of the time of publication.
