More than 1,000 members and leaders of opposition parties have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State on Monday.

The large turnout of defectors, drawn from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), and Labour Party (LP), was officially welcomed at a reception in Lubo community.

Hon. Inuwa Garba, the APC member of the House of Representatives for Yamaltu Federal Constituency, led the event alongside Adamu Lambam, APC Chairman of the LGA.

Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines

Inuwa Garba noted that the shift weakens opposition structures ahead of the 2027 elections and could make it easier for the APC to mobilise voters once campaigning officially begins.

Addressing supporters, Malam Tasiu Isa, the SDP chairman for Yamaltu-Deba, said the decision to cross over was grounded in the APC's record of delivering development and responsive governance at both state and federal levels.

"We are convinced that APC is the party to be because the party has good governance as evidence," Isa said.

Mohammed Hinna, Labour Party chairman in the area, described the move as a patriotic choice by leaders who want to align their political future with what they see as progress and stability under the APC.

Defectors told journalists they had consulted widely with grassroots supporters before agreeing to join the APC fold, emphasising that they believed the ruling party is in the best position to serve their communities' interests.

Welcoming the defectors, Lambam, the APC chairman in the council, hailed the moment as a sign of growing confidence in the ruling party's policies and plans for the region.

He promised equal opportunity and full inclusion for new members, saying, the ruling party is the people's choice because of the developmental strides it have delivered.