By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday delivered another political shockwave as the former National Women Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Kiuta Yakubu, formally dumped her party and returned to the ruling APC in a dramatic ceremony at the APC National Headquarters, Abuja.
The high-profile decamping was sealed under the watch of the APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile Idele, who described the move as a rescue mission from a “sinking ship” to what she called a “moving train of progress.”
From the moment party leaders and women faithful gathered, the atmosphere was charged with symbolism and political messaging.
Chants, applause and knowing smiles greeted the entrance of the decampee, whose return many described as both strategic and inevitable.
Welcoming Hon. Yakubu, Dr. Idele said the APC remained an open platform for Nigerians who believe in governance, inclusion and national development, stressing that the steady growth of the party was proof it was “doing something right.”
“Woman talk to woman, woman understand,” she said, as she formally received her into the party. “My sister has left the sinking ship and entered the centre. She has joined the moving train, and that train is the APC.”
She praised the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for what she described as his commitment, strength and leadership in repositioning the party, while also commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for rolling out policies she said were redefining governance.
Dr. Idele highlighted empowerment programmes, infrastructure expansion and the NELFUND student loan scheme, noting that access to education financing had eased the burden on Nigerian families.
“When we were in the university, nobody gave us loans,” she said. “Parents suffered to train their children. Today, our sons and daughters can access loans to go to school. That deserves applause.”
Drawing a sharp political contrast, she likened opposition parties to a sinking vessel, urging Nigerians to “follow those who know the road” before it is too late.
“We are throwing lifeboats and life jackets,” she declared. “If you don’t jump out on time, the ship will take you down. My sister jumped out on time.”
She said the decamping was not just an addition of one individual but a strategic gain for the APC women’s wing, noting that Hon. Yakubu arrived with a strong following.
“A leader is a leader,” she said. “Anywhere the leader goes, the people follow. As a former National Women Leader, she commanded many women and they have followed her here.”
In her remarks, Hon. Kiuta Yakubu, who hails from Rubuchi Ward, Kuje Area Council of the FCT, said her decision to return to APC was driven solely by conviction and observable progress in governance.
“I decided to join APC because I have seen governance,” she said. “I have seen progress especially in security and development. I felt I was wasting my time in my former party.”
She insisted her move was voluntary and not influenced by pressure or inducement.
“Nobody called me,” she said. “I decided on my own because I want to contribute my quota to this country, to serve my people, and to work with them.”
Hon. Yakubu said she wanted Nigerians to know that the Federal Capital Territory has women with capacity and political relevance, adding that her return to APC was a homecoming.
“APC is not new to me,” she said. “I was part of the merger. I left at some point, but today I have come back home. I was a lost daughter, but now I am found.”
Also speaking, APC Kuje Area Council Chairman, Danladi Ibrahim, described the return of Hon. Yakubu as a major boost for the party at the grassroots, especially with local government elections approaching.
“She is a founding member,” he said. “She has capacity. She can mobilise, galvanise voters and deliver results for APC.”
The event ended with renewed chants of “APC! Progress!” as party leaders expressed confidence that the defection would strengthen the party’s base in the FCT and beyond.
For the APC, the message was clear: the train is moving and more passengers are expected.
