In what has become a troubling ritual of Nigeria’s democratic journey, the floodgates of political defections have once again been flung wide open.
With increasing regularity, prominent members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are switching allegiances to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), now led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While this may appear to strengthen the ruling party in the short term, a closer look reveals deeper fissures that could undermine Nigeria’s democracy in the long run.
Since President Tinubu took office in May 2023, the APC has benefited from a steady stream of political migrants — governors, legislators, and former stalwarts of the PDP — pledging allegiance to the ruling party. The reasons offered are familiar: alignment with the president’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, dissatisfaction with internal PDP leadership, and purported desires to better serve constituents. But beneath these surface justifications lies a far more disturbing narrative: one of opportunism, political expediency, and the erosion of ideological boundaries in Nigeria’s party system.
Governors and Legislators in Motion
Delta State: On April 23, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori—elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—along with former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar’s running mate Ifeanyi Okowa, officially decamped to the APC. This landmark shift marked the state’s first governance outside the PDP since 1999.
The transformation extended to Delta’s political apparatus: all 22 state assembly members, the Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, and six federal lawmakers joined Oborevwori in the mass defection.
Kebbi State: Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki transitioned to the APC following a closed‑door meeting with President Tinubu at Aso Rock.
These actions mirror a broader trend: since January 2025, defections include Ned Nwoko (Delta North), Shehu Sani (Kaduna), Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), and several House members from Katsina and Osun
APC: Strength in Numbers or Fracture in Unity?
The defections have catapulted the APC to 68 Senate seats and approximately 207 in the House
However, with this numerical surge comes the potential for internal conflict, as newly integrated politicians—many with powerful local bases—jockey for influence and resources.
Senator Ali Ndume, himself a member of the APC, cautioned that “One‑party dominance is a sign of the death of democracy”.
The Death of Ideology
Nigeria’s major political parties have long been criticized for lacking distinct ideological identities. But what was once a flaw has now become a full-blown crisis. The ease with which politicians crisscross party lines without facing electoral or institutional consequences signals a political culture where parties serve not as vehicles for national vision or service delivery, but as mere ladders to power.
This culture of defection erodes public confidence in the system. Citizens are left wondering what their votes truly count for when their elected representatives can switch sides midstream, often without consulting the electorate. In a nation still struggling with voter apathy, such disregard for democratic norms only deepens the gulf between the governed and the governing.
APC’s Pyrrhic Gains
On the surface, the APC appears to be consolidating power. With defections swelling its ranks, the party may well be on its way to becoming the only political game in town. But this dominance carries within it the seeds of potential collapse. Political diversity, however chaotic, acts as a check on excesses and promotes robust debate. When one party grows too large, it risks becoming unmanageable — a coalition of conflicting interests and ambitions with little unifying vision.
Already, fault lines are beginning to show. The influx of defectors, many with their own entrenched networks and political egos, threatens internal cohesion. Factionalism is a likely outcome, as loyalists jostle for power and influence against newcomers. In a party where ideological loyalty is weak and personal ambition reigns supreme, unity may prove elusive.
Toward a One-Party State?
Risk of a One‑Party State and the Democratic Crossroads
The pattern raises fears of Nigeria inching toward a de facto one-party state — a political configuration more reminiscent of military regimes than a healthy democracy. Without viable opposition, the risk of authoritarian drift becomes real. The role of opposition parties in holding the government accountable, questioning policies, and offering alternative governance pathways is essential for democratic sustainability.
The weakening of the PDP — once Africa’s largest party — is particularly troubling. Ravaged by internal schisms and leadership crises, the party is now battling for relevance. If the trend continues, Nigeria could find itself in a scenario where elections become mere formalities, devoid of genuine contestation.
Now, with the PDP reduced to a regional presence—controlling only 10 states—opposition forces now face existential risk.
Additionally, constitutional ambiguity in Section 68(1)(g) allows lawmakers to defect without losing their seats, undermining accountability and voter intent.
The Dark Side of Defections: Democratic Hazards
Critics accuse the Tinubu administration of using state machinery to pressure star opponents into cross‑carpeting.
Abdullahi Ganduje, former APC national chairman, stirred controversy by stating there’s nothing wrong with Nigeria becoming a one‑party state, provided it reflects the people’s will.
PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba argued that the defections are orchestrated through compromised institutions, warning this “plot to foist a despotic one‑party regime” must be resisted.
ADC and the Quest for a Third Force
A Counterweight: ADC’s Emerging Coalition
A coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken form ahead of the 2027 elections. Prominent opposition figures—Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and former Senate President David Mark—are spearheading this alliance.
In Benue and Plateau states, leading politicians like Senators Gabriel Suswam and Prof. Terhemba Shija have aligned with the ADC.
ADC sees itself not as a home for defectors, but as a principled alternative focused on governance, appealing to fresh voters disillusioned by the APC‑PDP binary.
In the face of this political polarisation, the ADC seems to have emerged as a potential third force. Through recent coalitions with civil society groups and technocrats, the ADC has positioned itself as an alternative to the APC-PDP duopoly. However, its long-term viability remains uncertain, hampered by limited grassroots structure and funding challenges.
For the ADC and other emerging parties to thrive, they must resist becoming mere refuge camps for disgruntled politicians. Instead, they must present clear, issue-based platforms that resonate with the youth and urban middle class — demographics increasingly disillusioned with the status quo.
The Way Forward
Nigeria’s democracy cannot afford to be a game of revolving doors. Institutional reforms are urgently needed. Proposals such as mandating elected officials to vacate their seats upon defection (unless due to a clear party merger or crisis) deserve serious consideration. Stronger internal democracy within parties, campaign finance transparency, and civic education can also help rejuvenate public trust.
Defections, while not inherently undemocratic, become dangerous when motivated purely by self-interest. The current wave threatens to upend the delicate balance of power and public accountability that democracy relies on.
As Nigeria navigates a challenging socio-economic terrain, what it needs are strong institutions and principled leadership — not strange bedfellows chasing proximity to power.
Conclusion: The Peril of Political Convenience
Defections can be a democratic expression—when driven by conviction or principle. But today’s exodus to the APC is largely transactional, with promises of political security, infrastructure projects, or federal favour cited as incentives.
This opens Nigeria to governance risks, factionalism, and weakened institutions.
The ADC’s rising coalition offers a possible counterbalance, yet success will depend on cementing grassroots presence and resisting the allure of convenience politics.
Restoring trust and institutional balance demands reforms: removing loopholes that enable opportunistic defections, instituting recall provisions, fostering internal party democracy, and enhancing civic literacy.
At this critical juncture, Nigeria’s democracy stands at a crossroads. Will it evolve into a healthy multiparty system—or unravel into a hollow shell of single-party dominance?
Benjamin Omoike is a writer/researcher/analyst focused on truth, equality, justice, fairness, governance, development, African affairs and humanity.
