Prominent opposition figures in Nigeria, including Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Senator Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have publicly expressed their strong disapproval of the recent wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).1
Their collective condemnation comes amidst a “Hurricane Tinubu” effect, which has seen several PDP governors and lawmakers, including those from Enugu and Bayelsa states, switch allegiance to the APC.2 This trend has fueled fears of Nigeria becoming a one-party state.3
Peter Obi’s Stance
Peter Obi has criticized the defections, stating that the politicians involved are acting out of “desperation” and a desire for “personal survival” rather than for the good of the people.4 While he has affirmed his own loyalty to the Labour Party, Obi has made it clear that he believes the defections are part of a larger, negative trend in Nigerian politics. He specifically dismissed claims of the APC “capturing” the South-East, arguing that true leadership involves doing the right thing for people to follow, not forcing them to follow.5
ADC’s View
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has characterized the defections as a direct threat to Nigeria’s democracy. According to the party, while the APC may seem to be getting stronger, these defections are, in fact, a deliberate effort to weaken the opposition and consolidate power in an unchecked manner.6 The ADC stated that the defecting governors are committing “political apostasy” by abandoning their people to join a ruling party that has “made life miserable for the majority.”7
Seriake Dickson’s Position
Senator Seriake Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, has been particularly vocal against the defections.8 Despite his hand-picked successor, Governor Douye Diri, defecting to the APC, Dickson has vowed to remain in the PDP, emphasizing his commitment to defending a multi-party system.9 He described the defections as “sad” and “ridiculous,” arguing that the growing trend of politicians abandoning opposition parties for the ruling party undermines Nigeria’s democratic pluralism.10
Dickson has also questioned the motives of the defectors, suggesting that their claims of moving to “align with the center” are a “lie.”11 He has openly stated that many politicians defect to the ruling party to gain an advantage in future elections and to avoid legal consequences.12 He has consistently maintained that a democracy without a strong opposition becomes a “dictatorship and totalitarianism.”13
