APC Says Defections Reflect Confidence in Tinubu Administration, Dismisses One-Party State Fears

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that it cannot prevent politicians from defecting to its ranks, describing the recent wave of defections as a sign of growing confidence in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The ruling party said the decisions by several political office holders to join its fold were voluntary and driven by their assessment of the current direction of governance in the country.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, addressed concerns over the increasing number of governors aligning with the ruling party. He said the APC would not act as a gatekeeper against politicians who chose to join, insisting that such an approach would be undemocratic.

APC Welcomes Defections as Sign of Political Confidence

Mr Morka explained that the recent defections, including that of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, should be viewed as a reflection of confidence in the Tinubu administration rather than a calculated attempt to weaken opposition parties. According to him, politicians are making personal and strategic decisions based on what they perceive as a renewed national direction.

He described the trend as governors and political leaders identifying with what he termed a “resurging Nigeria,” adding that the current administration was positioning the country for recovery and long-term stability. Morka maintained that the APC remained open to all Nigerians who shared its vision and were willing to contribute to governance.

The party spokesperson stressed that preventing willing politicians from joining would contradict democratic principles. He said the APC believed in freedom of association and political choice, noting that openness was a core value of the party.

Rebuttal of One-Party State Concerns

Addressing fears that the increasing number of defections could push Nigeria towards a one-party state, Morka dismissed such concerns as unfounded. He argued that Nigeria had experienced similar political dominance in the past without compromising democratic governance.

He recalled a period when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) controlled a comparable number of governorships across the country, noting that democracy was not threatened at the time. According to him, the current situation should not be interpreted differently simply because the ruling party is now benefiting from defections.

Morka cautioned against equating political realignments with the erosion of democracy, insisting that Nigeria’s multiparty system remained intact and functional.

Growing List of Governors Joining the Ruling Party

The APC’s comments come amid a series of high-profile defections to the ruling party. In addition to developments in Kano State, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, also officially joined the APC at a ceremony held in Jos.

The growing number of governors aligning with the ruling party has continued to generate debate within political circles, with opposition parties raising concerns about balance and competitiveness. However, the APC has maintained that the defections are driven by individual convictions rather than coercion or political pressure.

As political realignments continue ahead of future electoral contests, analysts say the trend underscores shifting alliances and the evolving dynamics of Nigeria’s political landscape.