TRENDING
An intensifying wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape, less than two years into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Findings by New Daily Prime suggest that beyond ideological realignments or internal party strife, the promise of automatic tickets and access to high-value federal contracts are at the heart of this political migration.
Multiple sources confirm that several governors and senators from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition blocs are currently in advanced talks to defect. Although political cross-carpeting is common in Nigeria’s democracy, its scale and frequency worry analysts, civil society groups, and the public.
Amid an economic downturn exacerbated by fuel subsidy removal, currency devaluation, and persistent insecurity, many Nigerians expected the opposition to rally and provide a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, those hopes to appear to be dwindling. Coalition efforts spearheaded by former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, are losing steam as key political figures abandon ship.
Insiders who spoke with New Daily Prime on condition of anonymity disclosed that numerous lawmakers have been enticed with guarantees of automatic re-election tickets under the APC platform. These political incentives are reportedly part of a broader strategy to bolster President Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
Beyond electoral favours, allegations abound that financial inducements and multi-billion-naira government projects are being used to lure defectors. Although these claims have been consistently denied by official channels, they continue to gain traction within political circles.
A high-ranking political insider described the strategy as one designed to erode the foundations of the opposition. “This is about draining the opposition of its strongest assets and consolidating dominance. Loyalty is being bought, not earned,” the source revealed.
One of the most speculated targets is Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke. Efforts by New Daily Prime to get official comments from his aides were unsuccessful; some outrightly declined to speak, while others remained evasive.
At present, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State is the only sitting governor to have formally defected from the PDP to the APC, despite being elected on a PDP ticket in 2023. His defection is considered a significant coup for the ruling party.
The legislative chambers are experiencing an even more pronounced shift. Lawmakers at both the federal and state levels have continued to exit the opposition parties, with former governors, deputy governors, and long-serving legislators all finding new political homes under the APC. This trend suggests a well-coordinated effort to consolidate loyalists ahead of the 2027 election season.
A case in point is Senator Kawu Sumaila of Kano South, who recently left the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) for the APC. His defection sparked rumours that he was awarded projects worth over ₦90 billion for dam rehabilitation under the Ecological Fund.
Katsina State presents another telling example. All three PDP-elected members of the House of Representatives—Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri, Hon. Abdullahi Balarabe Dabai, and Hon. Aliyu Ilyasu—have now defected to the APC. Repeated attempts to reach Dabai and Ilyasu were unsuccessful. Their phones appeared to be restricted, and inquiry messages sent to them were unanswered at press time. Majigiri, when contacted, confirmed he was collecting his APC membership card and declined to discuss the circumstances of his switch.
While definitive evidence of inducement remains elusive, the pattern of defections, coupled with persistent allegations, paints a compelling picture of political horse-trading under the guise of party realignment.
Democracy advocates warn that this trend threatens to erode Nigeria’s multi-party system and weaken political accountability. Instead of encouraging constructive opposition and ideological debate, these defections may render opposition parties functionally irrelevant, turning elections into intra-party contests.
As Nigeria approaches another critical electoral juncture in 2027, a key question remains unanswered: are these defections a genuine realignment of political values—or simply a transactional scramble for power?
New Daily Prime will continue to monitor developments and provide in-depth updates as new details emerge
