The African Democratic Congress, ADC, says the recent defections of the governors of Enugu and Bayelsa States to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, confirm its long-held warning that President Bola Tinubu is determined to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the defections as a betrayal of the people and a dangerous sign for Nigeria’s democracy.

Abdullahi said that while the defections might appear to strengthen the APC, they in fact represent a loss for democracy and a deliberate effort by the ruling party to weaken the opposition and consolidate unchecked power.

“The recent defections by the governors of Enugu and Bayelsa States to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, validate the African Democratic Congress, ADC’s long-standing warning that President Bola Tinubu is determined to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, no matter the cost to democracy or national stability,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC alleged that the defected governors abandoned their citizens and aligned with a government that has, in its words, made life ‘miserable’ for the majority of Nigerians.

According to the party, Nigerians were already experiencing the daily failures of the APC government, citing insecurity, economic hardship, and poor social welfare as evidence of misgovernance.

It further stated that the Tinubu’s administration had failed in all major areas of governance, including insecurity, economic management, healthcare, anti-corruption, and foreign policy.

“Every day, Nigerians are paying the price for these failures. Food prices continue to increase, jobs are non-existent, and insecurity continues to choke every part of the country,” the ADC stated.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Debo Ologunagba, has alleged that the defection of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, was due to intimidation.

Ologunagba made the allegation on Wednesday during an interview on The Morning Brief, a programme on Channels Television, monitored by DAILY POST.

Recall that Governor Mbah, on October 14, announced his move from PDP to APC, citing neglect of the South-East by the party.

Ologunagba also alleged that the defection of key members of PDP to APC is the result of external pressure from the ruling party.

“This defection is not based on conviction, or some other programmes of the APC that is attractive; it is induced by personal considerations, intimidation, coercion, and threats.

“The fact is that there is a deliberate action by the government, and the president has said openly that he will wish to have a one-party state,” he said.

The spokesman described the PDP as a broad-based party with people-oriented policies and programmes, noting that it is focused on its forthcoming national convention in Oyo State.

Ologunagba pointed out that the records of his party, under its 16 years of governance, can secure it more elected positions in the 2027 elections.

He accused some members of PDP of undermining the party, adding that such issues would be addressed.

Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, are set to converge on Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, for a crucial meeting to discuss national and party-related issues.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, confirmed the development while speaking with journalists in Birnin Kebbi.

He said members of the Progressives Governors’ Forum would arrive in the state on Thursday for the closed-door meeting.

According to him, the forum’s chairman is expected to brief the media on the outcome of the deliberations after the meeting.

Idris added that Governor Nasir Idris had made the necessary arrangements to host his colleagues during their two-day stay in the state.