A former African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Representatives aspirant for AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, Hon. Maji Johnson Bello, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Bello, an alleged close associate of former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, announced his defection on Wednesday in Abuja, citing his confidence in the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms and development policies.

The founder of the Maji Johnson Bello Political and Humanitarian Movement said his decision to join the APC was driven by his desire to participate actively in shaping Nigeria’s political future and contribute to the development of the country.

He commended Tinubu’s economic reforms and infrastructure initiatives, arguing that the policies were laying the foundation for sustainable national development.

Although he acknowledged the hardship and hunger confronting Nigerians, Bello maintained that the economic policies introduced following the removal of fuel subsidy would yield positive results if given sufficient time.

“As we take this important step into the All Progressives Congress, APC, we do so with open hearts, a spirit of cooperation and a sincere desire to become part of a broader movement committed to national development and the progress of our communities,” he said.

He added that his entry into the ruling party was intended to foster relationships based on mutual respect, shared responsibility and a collective commitment to building a better Nigeria.

Bello urged Nigerians to recognise the policies and initiatives introduced by the Tinubu administration since the President assumed office on May 29, 2023.

According to him, the administration has embarked on major economic reforms and development initiatives aimed at addressing longstanding structural challenges and creating opportunities for sustainable national growth.

He said his decision to join the APC also reflected his determination to be part of the political process and contribute to shaping the country’s future.

Predicting victory for Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 general elections, the former ADC chieftain expressed concern that the achievements of the administration were not being adequately communicated to Nigerians.

He particularly argued that the Federal Government had made substantial funds available to state governments following the removal of the fuel subsidy, insisting that governors should be held accountable for addressing infrastructure deficits across the country.

“President Tinubu has released subsidy money to the governors to fix infrastructural decay, so Nigerians should hold governors to account, not Tinubu,” Bello said.

He maintained that the Tinubu administration deserved support to sustain its policies and development agenda, expressing optimism that the reforms would deliver greater benefits to Nigerians over time.