Opposition parties have accused President Bola Tinubu of deploying public funds and using anti-corruption agencies to pressure their members into defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
They argue that the ruling party is on the brink of collapse despite the influx of defectors, insisting that the defections are signs of internal instability rather than strength.
In separate interviews with Sunday PUNCH, spokespersons for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP)—Debo Ologunagba, Oladipo Johnson, and Mark Adebayo—warned that the APC was heading toward an implosion.
However, APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, countered that the defections were voluntary and motivated by the party’s achievements, adding that the APC was stable, well-structured, and capable of managing its internal affairs.
Wave of Defections
In recent months, the APC has welcomed several high-profile politicians, especially from the PDP. Those who have joined include Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the PDP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa.
The Enugu State Executive Council also defected, followed by Governor Peter Mbah’s formal declaration for the APC on October 14.
On October 15, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri resigned from the PDP and is widely rumoured to be heading to the APC. Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has also confirmed his intention to join the ruling party. Several lawmakers and other political figures have similarly shifted allegiance.
PDP: APC Will Soon Collapse
PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba predicted that the APC would eventually implode, insisting that the defectors would return.
He said:
“This is the major political party in Nigeria—the only truly democratic one. It has structures in every local government, ward, and state. That is why the APC is jittery and resorting to using state resources and agencies to coerce our members.”
Ologunagba added that Nigerians would soon realise that the APC does not protect citizens’ interests and would return to the PDP ahead of 2027.
NNPP: Defections Threaten Democracy
NNPP spokesman Oladipo Johnson described the defection trend as dangerous for Nigeria’s democracy.
He said:
“This is bad for democracy. Effective opposition is essential. Many people are watching this trend and are unhappy. A one-party system will never work in Nigeria—politicians will still break into factions driven by personal interests.”
CUPP: Ruling Party Pushing One-Party Dictatorship
CUPP’s Mark Adebayo argued that the pattern of defections was a deliberate effort by the ruling party to impose a one-party state.
“This is intentional,” he said. “It is an attempt to entrench a one-party dictatorship. It is unhealthy for democracy and endangers political stability. Many politicians lack ideology; their loyalty is only to whoever holds power.”
He argued that if another party wins the presidency tomorrow, most defectors would abandon the APC immediately.
APC: Defections Are Voluntary, Not Forced
Responding, APC’s Bala Ibrahim dismissed the allegations and insisted that the ruling party is stable.
“The opposition cannot manage their own parties. That is not our story. APC conducts primaries successfully and without crisis,” he said.
He emphasised that defectors are joining willingly because of President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, adding:
“Our party is prepared. It will not implode. We are not facing the kind of crises troubling the opposition.”
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