November 2, 2025
By Anamati Inyang – Uyo, Akwa Ibom
Opposition parties have accused President Bola Tinubu of using public resources and anti-graft agencies to compel members of other political parties to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to them, the recent wave of defections from opposition ranks into the APC signals desperation and internal instability within the ruling party.
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 an implosion was imminent in the APC.
However, APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the claims, saying the defections were voluntary and driven by confidence in the party’s achievements under President Tinubu. He added that the APC remained a stable, well-structured organisation capable of managing its internal affairs effectively.
In recent months, the APC has received several high-profile politicians, particularly from the PDP. Among them are Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and PDP’s 2023 vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa.
Most recently, members of the Enugu State Executive Council defected to the APC, followed by Governor Peter Mbah’s official declaration for the ruling party on October 14 in Enugu.
On October 15, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri announced his resignation from the PDP, sparking speculation that he is on his way to the APC. Similarly, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas confirmed on Wednesday that he would be joining the APC. Several lawmakers and other politicians have also abandoned their parties for the ruling party.
PDP’s Ologunagba predicted an imminent crisis within the APC, expressing confidence that many defectors would eventually return to the PDP.
He said, “The PDP is the major political party in Nigeria and the only truly democratic one. It has structures in every ward, local government, and state. Every household in Nigeria has PDP members, and that is why the APC is jittery. They are coercing our members using state resources and agencies to force them into the ruling party.
“But we are confident that very soon, the APC will implode because it is a multipurpose political vehicle that cannot last. Nigerians will see through the façade and return to the PDP; the only party that genuinely represents their interests.”
Similarly, the NNPP’s Oladipo Johnson described the wave of defections as a threat to democracy.
“This is bad for democracy,” he said. “Effective governance requires a strong opposition. When the PDP was in power for 16 years, people rushed into it, and over time, it imploded. I see the same thing happening to the APC because many Nigerian politicians are driven by personal interests, not ideology. Those pushing for a one-party state clearly misunderstand Nigeria’s political history.”
CUPP’s Mark Adebayo also accused the APC of deliberately pushing the country toward a one-party system.
“It is not accidental; it is a calculated effort to entrench a one-party dictatorship,” Adebayo said. “Whether forced or coerced, these defections are a deliberate strategy by the ruling party, particularly the President.
“This development is undemocratic and dangerous to Nigeria’s political stability. The APC will implode once it loses power. Most politicians lack ideological conviction; their loyalty lies with whoever controls the presidency. If another party wins tomorrow, the same politicians will switch sides without shame or conscience.”
In response, APC’s Bala Ibrahim maintained that the ruling party would remain united, stressing that its internal mechanisms ensure order and stability.
“The fact that opposition parties are disorganised and unable to conduct credible primaries does not mean we are like them,” Ibrahim said. “Our party conducts its affairs transparently and peacefully.
“The APC does not force anyone to join. Those joining are doing so willingly because of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The APC is stable, strong, and ready to deliver on its promises.”
