The political atmosphere in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State took a new turn on Tuesday when some influential members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) announced their decision to leave the party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Leading the move was Alhaji Kabiru Isah Mai Alewa, a well-known grassroots politician in the area who was actively involved in mobilising support for the APC in both the 2019 and 2023 elections. He formally joined the ADC along with a large number of his supporters. Another major figure in the defection was Alhaji Ibrahim Ado Taloka, the immediate past APC Youth Leader in Goronyo, whose exit is seen as capable of drawing many young people to the new party.
Political observers in the state have described the development as a significant setback for the APC in Goronyo, noting that the defectors command considerable followership at the grassroots level. They believe the loss of the former youth leader could weaken the ruling party’s ability to mobilise young voters ahead of the next general elections.
Addressing their supporters after the announcement, the defectors accused the APC of failing to fulfil the expectations of its members. They cited issues such as insecurity, rising hunger, and what they called poor welfare for party supporters as major reasons for their decision. According to them, the move was not made in haste but followed careful consultations with their people and a deep reflection on the situation in their communities.
They stressed that the decision was not forced on them by anyone, but was taken out of genuine concern for the people and the desire to contribute to a better political system that can deliver meaningful development. They described their new move as an opportunity to build a more responsive political structure that will give their communities a stronger voice.
The defectors pledged to work diligently to strengthen the ADC in Goronyo and beyond, promising to mobilise their supporters and use their experience to help the party achieve success in the 2027 elections. The development has added to the ongoing realignments across Sokoto State as politicians position themselves ahead of the next polls.
