The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised sharp criticism of recent defecting governors, alleging that the wave of departures from opposition ranks into the All Progressives Congress (APC) is part of a deliberate scheme to transform Nigeria into a one‑party state ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, called the defections “a betrayal of the people” and evidence that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is systematically eroding democratic competition.
“A Dangerous Precedent for Democracy”
According to the ADC, the defections of the Enugu and Bayelsa State governors to the APC validate its long-held warnings about power consolidation in the ruling party.
The party claims that this is not simply a political reshuffling, but a calculated effort to weaken opposition parties, silence dissent, and monopolize political influence.
Abdullahi argued that while the APC may appear to be gaining strength, in truth “these governors have abandoned their people to team up with a party that has made life miserable for the majority.”
He cited worsening insecurity, rising inflation, unemployment, and strains on social services as hallmarks of the ruling party’s failures.
Opposition Leaders Sound the Alarm
The ADC’s critique echoes warnings from other opposition figures.
Former Senate President and PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, recently asserted that the defections affirm an APC strategy to suffocate democracy.
He described the trend as a “prelude to autocracy” and lamented the erosion of the PDP as opposition in Nigeria.
Wabara also suggested that the defections are not driven by ideological shifts or superior governance, but by political calculations and pressure.
The Stakes: 2027 as a Referendum on Power
The ADC frames the 2027 general elections as a defining moment: a confrontation between “those committed to rescuing Nigeria” and “Tinubu’s gang of governors.”
Abdullahi emphasized that the line between self‑interest and service to the people has become ever clearer.
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The party also projected that despite defections, the opposition bloc remains undeterred. It maintains that defections only sharpen the political contrasts ahead of the next nationwide contest.
APC Reacts, Governors Strategize
Unsurprisingly, the APC has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. Some party figures argue that defections are part of the natural fluidity of Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
Meanwhile, reports suggest the ruling party is actively strategising to counter the rising threat posed by the ADC‑led coalition.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, for example, confirmed that internal planning is underway to maintain APC dominance and possibly absorb further defectors.
In House and Senate caucuses, the APC has pressed for endorsement of Tinubu’s re‑election, signaling confidence in its supremacy and expectations of more defections as the campaign intensifies.
