“We Can’t Endure the Hunger Anymore”: Mass Defections Rock APC in Adamawa as Grassroots Leaders, Hundreds Flock to ADC

A wave of defections has struck the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State as grassroots leaders and hundreds of supporters abandon the ruling party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing worsening hunger, joblessness, and frustration under the current administration. The political shift, which unfolded in Gombi Local Government Area on Saturday, was led by former APC stalwart Ahmed Sani and is being seen as a serious setback for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

ADC State Chairman Yohanna Shehu described the development as a “major grassroots breakthrough” and attributed the party’s growing membership to what he called a “hunger for change” across Adamawa. Addressing a reception rally attended by large crowds, Shehu expressed confidence that the ADC is on track to take power in 2027. The rally also served as a humanitarian outreach, with the distribution of 5,000 bags of rice and maize, as well as books and school bags for children, to vulnerable families across all ten wards of Gombi LGA.

Defectors did not hold back in their criticism of the APC-led government. “We can no longer endure the hunger, joblessness, and suffering. Our families are going to bed without food. This is not the change we were promised,” one former APC member said. Another added, “We stood by the APC for years, but things have only gotten worse. We are joining the ADC because we believe it will restore dignity to our people.”

Supporters at the event hailed the ADC’s relief effort as a much-needed lifeline amid deepening economic hardship, while party loyalists vowed to intensify grassroots mobilisation in the months ahead. The defections, observers say, underscore a growing shift in political loyalties at the community level — and hint at a weakening hold for the APC in its traditional strongholds.