A former Minister of Foreign Affairs and one-time Minister of State for Health, Idi Hong, has defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing his former party as a “sinking ship.”
Hong formally announced his defection in his hometown of Hong, Local Government Area, Adamawa State, where he was accompanied by a large crowd of supporters and political associates.
He said the decision followed wide consultations with members of his political structure and loyalists across the twenty one Local Government Area of the state.
The former minister explained that remaining in the PDP was no longer in the best interest of his supporters or their collective political aspirations, citing what he described as a lack of cohesion and direction within the opposition party.
“I cannot allow myself and my followers to be dragged down by a party that is clearly losing direction,” he stated, adding that his move was driven by a desire to advance the development of Adamawa State and Nigeria as a whole.
Hong expressed confidence that the APC provides a more viable platform to actualise his development agenda.
He noted that he brings with him years of public service experience and fresh ideas that would strengthen the ruling party and contribute meaningfully to governance.
He subsequently directed members of his political network to submit their resignations from the PDP and fully align with the APC, signaling a coordinated shift of his grassroots structure to the new party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Welcoming him into the APC fold, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Idris Shuaibu, represented by Hassan Babuto, assured the former minister of equal rights and opportunities within the party.
“In APC, we do not discriminate. By virtue of your registration, you are qualified to contest any position you wish,” Babuto said.
Also confirming the development, Aliyu Ahmed, APC Chairman in Hong Local Government Area, pledged the party’s support for Hong in any capacity he chooses to serve, emphasizing that the APC remains committed to inclusive participation and internal democracy.
Babuto further confirmed that Hong has officially registered with the APC in Shangui Ward, Hong Local Government Area.
The defection is seen as part of ongoing political realignments in Adamawa State as parties position themselves ahead of future electoral contests.