By David Lawani and Ben Adoga, Abuja
Former senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Aduda announced his decision after meeting with the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, in Abuja, saying he had resolved to align with the ruling party to contribute to the re-election bid of President Tinubu.
The former lawmaker said his decision followed deep reflection on past political developments, noting that he had often been identified as a factor in previous electoral setbacks.
“I have aligned and realigned with the APC so that we can work together to deliver the Federal Capital Territory for Mr President in 2027,” he said.
Aduda expressed confidence in the party’s growing strength in the FCT, citing the outcome of the recent area council elections in which the APC won five out of six councils.
“By the grace of God, we will deliver for Mr President in 2027,” he said, adding jokingly to the party chairman, “I have formally joined the APC. Mr Chairman, you now have a big fish in your fold.”
His defection comes amid a wave of exits from the PDP by several political figures across the country.
In a letter dated March 17, 2026, addressed to the chairman of the PDP in Karu Ward, Abuja, Aduda formally resigned from the party.
Part of the letter read: “I write to formally notify you of my resignation as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect due to the crisis in the party. I remain grateful for the opportunity the party gave me to serve in various elective positions in our nation.”
The resignation letter was received on his behalf by the Karu Ward PDP chairman, Abu Aso Danjuma.
Aduda served three consecutive terms in the Senate, representing the FCT from 2011 to 2023, and also served as Senate Minority Leader.
However, he lost the seat in the 2023 general election to the Labour Party candidate in what many political observers described as the “Peter Obi wave” that swept several opposition strongholds.
The former senator has recently aligned himself with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, a development many observers believe signals his eventual departure from the PDP.
Welcoming him into the party, APC National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda, described Aduda’s defection as a significant boost to the party’s growing support base.
He said the APC continues to attract Nigerians because of its progressive ideology and the policy direction of the Tinubu administration.
“Progressives across Nigeria are aligning with the APC because of its vision and programmes under the Renewed Hope agenda,” Yilwatda said.
The APC chairman expressed optimism that Aduda’s entry into the ruling party would strengthen its political influence in the North-Central region and improve its chances of securing victory in the 2027 elections.
