From Abel Zwanke, Lafia
Former Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Isaac Lucky Yargwa, has intensified the ongoing crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) after formally defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that the ruling party has failed Nigerians and requires a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.Speaking to journalists on Monday in Lafia, Dr. Yargwa said his exit from the APC was prompted by what he described as harsh socio-economic conditions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He stated that the APC had abandoned its core values and no longer represented the interests of ordinary Nigerians.According to him, the “current administration has ushered in hardship and misery,” adding that poverty, insecurity, and economic instability had deepened nationwide. “Any right-thinking Nigerian will understand why we need an alternative government,” he said.
Despite his departure, Dr. Yargwa stressed that his loyalty to Governor Abdullahi Sule remained intact. He described the governor as a mentor and father figure, noting that his respect for the governor transcended party lines and was unaffected by what he termed APC’s “national failures.”
He accused the APC in Nasarawa State of becoming factionalized and infiltrated by “new entrants” whose intentions, he alleged, were to undermine Governor Sule ahead of 2027. The internal crisis, he said, had made meaningful participation difficult for genuine party stakeholders. “The party’s structures are being manipulated, and internal democracy no longer exists,” he added.Explaining his move to the ADC, Dr. Yargwa said the party offered unity, integrity, and credible leadership. He praised its nearly two decades of existence, noting that its inclusive structure provided a platform for Nigerians seeking meaningful reform. “ADC is not just another political vehicle. Many political actors from APC are quietly supporting ADC because they recognise the need for reform,” he stated.
Addressing concerns that defections might destabilize the ADC, he insisted that the party was fundamentally different from other platforms because it prioritizes principles over personal ambition. He said his transition into the party three months earlier had been smooth and broadly accepted.On national political alignments, he welcomed collaborations with leading opposition figures such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Nasir El-Rufai, saying such alliances would strengthen the pursuit of good governance and meaningful reform.Dr. Yargwa also expressed confidence in Barrister Mohammed Abdullahi, a prominent figure in the ADC, describing him as competent and fully prepared to lead Nasarawa State in 2027. He highlighted Abdullahi’s experience across local, state, and national levels, describing him as the leader capable of “hitting the ground running.”
He urged residents of Nasarawa State to embrace the ADC as a viable alternative, calling on voters to choose courage over hardship. He argued that the ruling party had brought poverty, insecurity, corruption, and economic decline. “This is the time for courage and vision. ADC is offering a genuine alternative,” he said.The former commissioner appealed especially to young Nigerians to take charge of the nation’s political future in 2027 by electing leaders committed to development, security, and prosperity. “Nigeria cannot continue on this path of economic collapse and insecurity. Change is not just possible — it is necessary,” he added.Dr. Yargwa reaffirmed his commitment to mobilizing grassroots support for the ADC, saying his defection marked the beginning of a new political era in Nasarawa State as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
