By Chidimma Okwara,
The recent spate of high-profile defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is a resounding vote of confidence in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a party chieftain asserted on Thursday.
The chieftain, who preferred to remain unnamed to speak freely on party strategy, noted that the influx of political heavyweights, including former governors, federal lawmakers, and state assembly members, signifies a widespread acceptance of the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and a strategic realignment of Nigeria’s political landscape.
According to the chieftain, the movement of politicians to the APC is not merely opportunistic but a natural political migration towards a government delivering tangible results and demonstrating stability.
“You see governors and major political figures crossing over because they understand where the centre of power and progress lies,” the source stated. “The political class is rational. They recognize the bold economic decisions taken by President Tinubu, even if difficult, are necessary for long-term national growth. These defections are a validation of the direction the country is heading.”
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The chieftain specifically pointed to the recent movement of figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party, arguing that opposition parties are facing existential crises due to a lack of cohesion and a failure to adapt to the new political realities ushered in by the 2023 elections.
Critics often label such defections as self-serving, driven by the desire for appointments or protection from anti-graft agencies. However, the APC stalwart countered this narrative, claiming the defections serve to strengthen the democratic mandate.
“When we bring experienced administrators and politicians from across the divide into the fold, we are essentially building a government of national unity. It broadens the tent and ensures that the best minds, regardless of former affiliation, are focused on developing the nation,” he explained.
He challenged the notion that the APC is simply accommodating opportunistic politicians, insisting that every new member is expected to align with the core principles of good governance, anti-corruption, and fiscal discipline championed by the current administration.
The wave of defections is expected to continue as the administration settles further into its term, potentially giving the APC an even stronger majority in the National Assembly and solidifying its grassroots support ahead of future electoral cycles. For the ruling party, these movements are a clear indicator that the government is on the right track, making it the most attractive political platform for ambitious leaders.
