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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims that the growing influx of politicians from opposition parties into its ranks poses any danger to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
Speaking on Arise News on Saturday night, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described the wave of defections as “a reflection of confidence in the ruling party,” rather than a symptom of democratic collapse.
“There’s absolutely no reason for alarm. What we are witnessing is not the death of multiparty democracy but its vibrancy in action,” Morka said.
“People are making their own political choices, freely and willingly, and many are choosing the APC.”
The APC spokesman argued that portraying the trend as a threat to democracy was both “misleading and intellectually dishonest.”
According to him, democracy thrives on freedom of association, and it would be wrong for any party to restrict membership.
“Should the APC start deciding who can or cannot join? That would contradict the very essence of democracy. Freedom of political choice is the foundation of a democratic system,” he added.
Morka also dismissed allegations that the APC was using federal influence to coerce governors and lawmakers into defecting.
He described such claims as “impossible and illogical,” given the independence and authority of state executives.
“Nigeria is too vast for anyone to manipulate elected governors who control their states’ resources and policies,” he said.
“These are people accountable to their voters, not puppets to be cajoled.”
The party’s image-maker further accused opposition parties of using the defection narrative to cover up internal crises and leadership failures.
“If the PDP, Labour Party, or ADC look inward, they’ll see that their internal disunity and weak leadership are driving members away,” he noted. “Nobody wants to stay on a sinking ship.”
Morka credited President Bola Tinubu’s leadership for restoring confidence in the ruling party, saying the APC now represents “stability, structure, and renewed hope” for Nigerians.
“Under President Tinubu, the APC has become a party of purpose and progress. The economy is stabilizing, reforms are ongoing, and soon, Nigerians will feel the positive impact in their daily lives,” he said confidently.
With the 2027 elections drawing closer, the APC maintains that it remains open to new members while reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles and national unity.