ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised state governors who have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of lacking character and acting out of personal convenience rather than genuine political conviction.
Speaking on Arise TV on Friday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, argued that governors moving to the ruling party were motivated by vulnerability and self-interest.
He said, “We don’t have any governors because those joining the ruling party are not doing so out of conviction about anything happening in the APC.
“They are pandering to one vulnerability or another or simply seeking an easy escape route.
“It takes conviction, character, courage, and belief in the nation for a sitting governor to join the opposition. These individuals do not have that. It is easier for them to run to the ruling party. But we are not bothered.”
His remarks follow a wave of major defections to the APC over the last year, significantly altering Nigeria’s political landscape.
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In April 2025, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC, taking his deputy and top government officials along.
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno followed in June 2025 after months of speculation. Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah also joined the APC in October 2025.
Most recently, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara defected to the APC in December 2025 amid political turmoil in the state and mass defections by lawmakers.
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri moved to the APC a month earlier in November 2025, alongside several state assembly members.
Abdullahi further described the APC as the “greatest threat to Nigerian democracy”, accusing the party of weakening opposition parties and creating the impression that the 2027 general election is already predetermined.
“That’s the mindset of inevitability the ruling party wants to project that no matter what happens, they will win,” he said.
Citing historical parallels, he recalled that in 2007 the PDP controlled 31 of 36 states, yet the election was widely condemned.
He warned that the APC was repeating similar patterns by manipulating political structures to retain power and reduce democratic choice.
He questioned whether the APC had been able to persuade Nigerians that it was capable of effective governance despite rallying governors to its side.
“But what about the people?” Abdullahi asked.
“Can they convince Nigerians that they are the best option? They cannot, because Nigerians understand what is happening. No amount of whitewashing can hide the reality they face.”
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He highlighted the ADC’s expansion, noting that the party had opened headquarters in 28 states within five months, despite having no elected officials.
“We have emerged as an opposition party driven solely by the enthusiasm of Nigerians who want democracy to survive,” he said.
Abdullahi further accused the APC of undermining other opposition parties including the PDP, Labour Party, and SDP through political and legal tactics.
He said this destabilisation has pushed many politicians to seek refuge in the ADC.
He criticised what he called the APC’s selective approach to democracy.
“They are quick to intervene in Benin Republic, using the military to defend democracy, but at home, they use legalism and the judiciary to weaken it.
“Democracy is about choice, competition, and a level playing field, but they are actively undermining opposition parties while posing as defenders of democracy in the region.”
He added that the APC continued to create obstacles aimed even at the ADC itself, including attempts to challenge its registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“They know that based on their performance in the last three years, no Nigerian who has suffered this much will support them. Their actions are intended to leave Nigerians with no credible choice in 2027.
“APC today represents the greatest threat to Nigerian democracy,” Abdullahi said.