The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Thursday received a wave of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party, including the Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Charity Aiguobarueghian, and Hon. Natasha Osawaru Idibia, wife of Nigerian music star 2Baba, alongside other political figures from Edo and Gombe States.
The new entrants were officially unveiled at a reception held at the Abuja residence of the NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson.
Others who joined the party include Dr Donald Eboigbe, a House of Representatives aspirant for Oredo Federal Constituency, and former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr John Yoriyo.
Welcoming the defectors, Dickson assured them of fairness and equal opportunity within the party, stressing the need for unity and internal democracy.
“The party remains open to all Nigerians who share its vision of good governance, national unity, and inclusive development. It is focused on women and youth participation,” he said.
He also cautioned members against allowing personal ambition to override party interests, noting that the leadership was absent due to preparations for the party’s national convention scheduled for Saturday.
The event featured the formal presentation of membership cards to the new members, alongside a brief musical performance by 2Baba.
Speaking at the gathering, Natasha Osawaru Idibia expressed optimism about the party’s future direction.
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She said, “It has not been easy at all. But we thank God that we still have a leader like Senator Dickson. It keeps reminding me of where we are and where the country is supposed to go.”
“It is obvious that the country needs to salute him and the NDC for this. I also believe that very soon, the NDC will take over the country,” she added.
Former House of Representatives member Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma said the movement was gaining national acceptance and could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
Aiguobarueghian, speaking on behalf of the defecting Edo lawmakers, said their decision followed extensive consultation and reflection on the country’s political direction.
He noted that past interactions with political leaders influenced his decision, recalling being told at one point that Dickson represented “the direction of Nigeria.”
Activist Aisha Yesufu, who recently left the African Democratic Congress, also addressed the gathering, describing the movement as a turning point in Nigerian politics.
She said, “It is obvious that very soon, the NDC will take over the country. The goal is to build a society where the child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.”