ADC: Governors’ defections prove APC’s plan for one-party state

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says the recent defection of some state governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC) confirms fears that the ruling party is determined to establish a one-party state in Nigeria.

A statement issued on Tuesday by Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC national publicity secretary, said the defections of Peter Mbah of Enugu and Douye Diri of Bayelsa represent a “betrayal of trust” and a “gang-up against Nigerians”.

Abdullahi said the governors’ decision showed that they have chosen political convenience over the welfare of their citizens.

He said while the APC may view the development as a political victory, the defectors have only “abandoned their long-suffering people” to align with a party that has “inflicted hardship on Nigerians”.

“The recent defections by the governors of Enugu and Bayelsa states validate our position that President Bola Tinubu is bent on turning Nigeria into a one-party state, regardless of the cost to democracy or national stability,” the statement reads.

Abdullahi accused the ruling party of failing on all major fronts, including security, economy, healthcare, anti-corruption, and governance.

“Nigerians can see the state of the nation. Food prices are rising daily, jobs have disappeared, and insecurity has spread to every part of the country,” he said.

Abdullahi claimed that the Tinubu administration has lost public confidence, adding that even those who once supported the APC now avoid identifying with the party.

According to him, the opposition expected governors to stand firm and present Nigerians with an alternative vision of governance, but the defectors chose “cowardice over conviction”.

“They have abdicated their responsibility and joined the grand conspiracy against the Nigerian people. They did not cross over out of principle but out of fear and self-interest,” he said.

The ADC spokesperson said the defections have further defined the political landscape ahead of 2027, noting that the next general election will be “a contest between the Nigerian people and the APC elite”.

“While the ruling party may be celebrating, the line has become clearer between those who seek to rescue Nigeria and those who have joined the gravy train,” Abdullahi added.