President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pushed back against criticisms surrounding the growing number of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that such political shifts are well within the democratic freedoms guaranteed by Nigeria’s constitution.
Speaking at the APC National Summit in Abuja on Thursday, where his administration also unveiled its performance report over the past two years, Tinubu emphasized that freedom of association is a protected right and cannot be criminalized.
“Before I skip, I just need to tell those ones saying one-party system is no good: it’s one party ruling and driving the aspirations of Nigerians. Where do they start?” the president said in response to concerns over Nigeria’s political balance.
“You don’t blame people bailing out of a sinking ship when they have no life jacket. We are in a constitutional democracy. Don’t forget, the freedom of movement and association is not criminally punishable. Welcome to the progressives—sweep them clean,” Tinubu added, suggesting that recent political realignments reflect a natural and voluntary process in a functioning democracy.
The president reassured Nigerians that the journey of his administration is far from over, citing public trust as the driving force behind its developmental agenda.
“We are just halfway through the journey that began 24 months ago. The faithfulness of Nigerians in assessing how far we have progressed is steering our country along the critical path of our socio-economic development,” he stated.
Tinubu’s comments arrive amid rising unease from opposition parties who argue that the growing wave of defections is eroding political diversity. Parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have accused the APC of using its position to weaken opposition forces and tilt the political playing field ahead of the 2027 elections.
Several high-profile politicians have recently crossed over to the ruling party, including six PDP members of the House of Representatives from Delta State. Notably, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Ifeanyi Okowa, PDP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, have also joined the APC. The Labour Party has similarly seen some members defect.
In response, the APC has rejected allegations of undermining the opposition, maintaining that its increasing membership stems from effective leadership and growing public confidence.
Underscoring the party’s unity and support for Tinubu, both the APC and the National Assembly used the summit to formally endorse him for a second term in office in 2027.
