The defectors cite alleged grassroots neglect, insecurity and poor representation as reasons for abandoning the ruling party ahead of 2027

More than 700 members of the All Progressives Congress in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State defected to the African Democratic Congress on Monday, August 17, 2026, citing alleged neglect by party leaders, poor representation and worsening insecurity in their communities.

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The mass defection involved APC members from Goronyo and Shinaka wards and was led by Alhaji Aliyu Tunau Shinaka, a former APC secretary in the local government and two-time Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Government.

The development is particularly notable because Goronyo is the home local government of the Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, who is regarded as the APC leader in the area.

Other prominent APC members who joined the ADC included the party’s local government Youth Leader, Alhaji Ibrahim Ado Taloka; Alhaji Kabiru Malam Isah Mai’alewa; and Hajiya Shafa’atu S/Pawa Goronyo, a prominent women leader and youth mobiliser.

Speaking at the defection ceremony, Shinaka said the decision followed what he described as prolonged neglect of party members and residents by APC leadership in the area.

“We have decided to leave the APC because our people have been abandoned. The party leadership has failed to address the concerns of members who worked tirelessly for the success of the party,” Shinaka said.

He particularly criticised the role of the Minister of State for Works, alleging that Goronyo and communities across Sokoto East Senatorial District had not benefited sufficiently from his position in the Federal Government.

“We expected the minister to use his position to attract meaningful development to Goronyo and the entire Sokoto East Senatorial District. Unfortunately, we have not seen the impact we expected,” he said.

Shinaka also accused the minister of failing to sufficiently champion the rehabilitation of federal roads in Sokoto East, despite his position within the Federal Ministry of Works.

The APC members defect to ADC move was also linked to concerns about insecurity, with the defectors accusing political leaders of failing to adequately respond to the impact of banditry on communities across Goronyo and neighbouring local government areas.

Shinaka said residents needed political leaders who would remain present during periods of crisis and provide meaningful support to affected families.

“Our people are being killed and abducted. Families have lost their breadwinners, yet we have not seen the necessary support or presence from those who are supposed to represent us,” he said.

Taloka similarly said the decision to leave the APC was driven by concerns over the welfare and security of residents rather than personal political ambitions.

“This is not about personal interest. We are responding to the yearnings of our people. They want leadership that will listen to them, protect them and improve their living conditions,” he said.

He alleged that grassroots supporters were often valued during election campaigns but received less attention afterwards.

“Those at the grassroots are remembered during elections but abandoned afterwards,” Taloka said.

The defectors also described insecurity as a major factor behind their decision, saying bandit attacks had disrupted farming, displaced families and weakened economic activity in the area.

One speaker at the event said many residents were increasingly afraid to return to their farms because of the threat of attacks.

“People are afraid to go to their farms. Families are being displaced, while others are living with the trauma of losing relatives to bandit attacks.

We need leaders who will genuinely stand with the people,” the speaker said.

The defectors further alleged that more than 100 Goronyo residents were being held by bandits in camps across parts of Sokoto East.

The claim could not be independently verified, and no evidence was provided at the event to establish the number of residents allegedly being held.

The security concerns nevertheless underline the difficult environment in which the political realignment is taking place.

Parts of Sokoto State and other areas of north-western Nigeria have continued to face attacks, kidnappings and disruption to farming activities by armed groups.

The defectors said joining the ADC was intended to provide them with an alternative political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Taloka expressed confidence that the party could offer a different direction for Sokoto State and the country.

“We believe the ADC has the potential to bring a new political direction to the country and Sokoto State.

We are ready to work for the emergence of a government that will provide security, peace and development,” he said.

The mass movement adds to a growing pattern of political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, as politicians and grassroots supporters reassess their affiliations and explore alternative platforms.

However, the allegations made against APC leaders and the Minister of State for Works remain claims by the defectors.

No response from Muhammad Bello Goronyo or the APC leadership in Goronyo was contained in the account of the defection.

For the new ADC members, the immediate challenge will be turning their dissatisfaction into political organisation and voter support as the 2027 election cycle approaches.

Their departure also presents a potentially significant organisational setback for the APC in Goronyo, particularly given the number of grassroots members involved and the prominence of some of the defectors.

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The move therefore signals more than a change of party membership. It reflects the growing pressure on political leaders to demonstrate that their influence translates into security, development and meaningful engagement with the communities that sustain their political support.