PDP chieftain joins ADC, citing national leadership failure. Waziri’s defection stuns Yobe politics and reshapes the opposition’s strength in the region

[dropcap]P[/dropcap]DP chieftain joins ADC after a dramatic resignation that has sent shockwaves through Yobe’s political landscape.

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Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri, a founding figure in the Peoples’ Democratic Party and a member of its Board of Trustees, announced his departure on Monday, citing irreconcilable issues within the party’s national leadership.

Waziri, a former Minister of Police Affairs and one-time PDP governorship candidate in Yobe State, officially submitted his resignation at the Dogotubo Ward Centre in Potiskum.

His decision comes amid what he described as a prolonged leadership crisis that has undermined the PDP’s credibility as a viable opposition party.

“The current leadership and direction in PDP is inconsistent with a major political party. The party has lost its moral standing as the primary opposition bastion,” he said while addressing party officials and supporters at the ward level.

He added that the PDP, which was formed in 1998 to challenge authoritarianism and promote democratic values, had failed to maintain its founding vision.

According to Waziri, its present state no longer reflects the hopes and aspirations of those who built the platform.

He explained that his move to the African Democratic Congress was not merely a political manoeuvre but a strategic step taken in the interest of the country.

“I am joining the ADC to recreate democracy and restore good governance in Nigeria,” he declared. “We must rebuild institutions that foster national unity and economic prosperity.”

Waziri also pledged to rally his political allies and supporters across Yobe State and beyond to the ADC. He described the party as a credible alternative capable of offering Nigerians renewed hope in the country’s democratic experiment.

“This is a national movement,” he said. “I urge all patriots to join us in returning dignity to governance and stability to politics. The time to act is now.”

His defection is expected to significantly weaken the PDP’s influence in Yobe State, where he remains one of its most recognised and respected figures. His political presence has long been a pillar of PDP’s electoral successes in the region.

During the 2023 presidential elections, the PDP defeated the ruling All Progressives Congress in Yobe State with a margin of over 47,000 votes.

PDP secured 198,567 votes, while the APC trailed behind with 151,459 votes. This result highlighted the strength of the opposition in a state long considered a stronghold of the ruling party.

Observers believe Waziri’s departure could alter the balance of power ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially if he succeeds in drawing other key stakeholders and grassroots supporters to his new party.

His reputation as a principled leader with decades of political experience may also enhance ADC’s national profile.

Though no official response has yet been issued by the PDP’s national leadership, insiders say his resignation is being viewed as both symbolic and strategic. Some fear it could trigger a ripple effect, encouraging other disillusioned members to leave.

Waziri’s history in Nigerian politics is marked by active service and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals.

He has served in various national capacities and has been regarded as a bridge-builder between the political elite and grassroots communities.

His parting message was clear. “Nigeria needs a rebirth. We must go beyond sentiments and focus on real leadership. I believe the ADC provides a platform to begin that journey.”

Also read: Lagos Central LP senatorial candidate, Adesunbo Onitiri, decamps to APC

With PDP chieftain joins ADC now trending in political circles, questions are already emerging about what this means for the PDP’s internal cohesion and its readiness to mount a strong opposition at the national level in the coming years.