The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed fears that the increasing number of politicians defecting to the ruling party could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking during an interview with journalists, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the influx of defectors from opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a reflection of citizens exercising their constitutional rights, not a drift toward a one-party state.
“I have no concern whatsoever about people leaving their parties to join the APC,” Morka said. “They are simply exercising their democratic freedom to choose among competing alternatives. The fact that they are choosing our party does not mean Nigeria is becoming a one-party system.”
He described as “misleading and unfair” claims that the APC is using federal might to lure governors and lawmakers, saying no one can coerce elected state executives who control their own budgets and political decisions.
Morka argued that opposition parties should focus on fixing their internal crises rather than blaming the ruling party for their members’ defection.
“If the PDP, Labour or ADC look inward, they will find that it is their dysfunction and leadership failures driving people away. Nobody wants to stay on a sinking ship,” he said.
The APC spokesperson further maintained that the party has become a symbol of stability and hope under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. He noted that Tinubu’s economic reforms are already yielding results, claiming inflation has dropped to around 18 percent and that more positive changes are on the way.
“Our macroeconomic indicators are improving. The APC is a party of method and hope under the President, who is enacting hope for everyone,” Morka added.