There Is Freedom Of Movement, Tinubu Defends Defections Into APC

 President Bola Tinubu has robustly defended the growing wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that such movements are a hallmark of Nigeria’s democratic freedom.

Addressing concerns raised by critics who accuse the APC of orchestrating defections to create a one-party state, Tinubu argued that politicians and citizens have the constitutional right to choose their political affiliations. The president’s remarks, made during a public address in Abuja, come amidst a surge in defections from parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and others, with several high-profile figures joining the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The defections have included governors, senators, and other influential politicians, prompting accusations from opposition leaders like Nasir El-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi that the APC is using inducements and coercion to weaken rival parties. Tinubu dismissed these claims, attributing the APC’s growing popularity to his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, economic reforms, and security.

He cited projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the revitalization of the Port Harcourt Refinery, and increased oil production as evidence of his government’s transformative impact. The president also highlighted efforts to address insecurity in the North-East and North-West, claiming that these successes have attracted politicians seeking to align with a progressive agenda.

The defections have intensified political maneuvering in Nigeria, with the APC consolidating its dominance in several states while opposition parties form coalitions to challenge Tinubu in 2027. Critics argue that the trend undermines democratic pluralism, raising fears of a return to single-party dominance reminiscent of Nigeria’s past. Tinubu, however, maintained that the APC’s open-door policy reflects its inclusivity and commitment to national unity.

He urged Nigerians to focus on the substantive issues of governance rather than the politics of defections, emphasizing that his administration remains focused on delivering economic prosperity and social cohesion. The debate over defections is likely to remain a central issue as the 2027 elections approach, shaping the strategies of both the APC and its opponents.