Defectors To APC Are Joining Voluntarily, Not Under Duress – Presidency

The Presidency disputed claims of a one-party state and maintained that democracy is neither threatened or threatened "just because politicians exercise their rights of association."

Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu's Special Advisor on Information and Strategy, signed a statement on Sunday that included this information.

According to Onanuga, "Nigerians who are joining the APC and expressing support for Tinubu are doing so voluntarily, believing that the reforms being implemented are beneficial to Nigerians and the next generation."

The defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, commissioners, local government chairmen, and others occurred last Wednesday.

The primary opposition party is further weakened by the departure of Okowa, the PDP's presidential running mate in the most recent election, and others.

Observers question if the Labour Party and the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), the major opposition groups, could challenge the ruling party in 2027 given their own internal problems.

The Presidency has refuted accusations that the ruling party is complicit in the crisis inside the opposition parties.

"The opposition cannot hold President Tinubu and the ruling APC responsible for their egregious ineptitude, lack of discipline, and poor organizational skills in running their affairs. President Tinubu is not responsible for organizing or bolstering opposition groups.

We think it's odd that the same people who applauded Mallam Nasir El-Rufai's switch to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as the former governor of Kaduna State and the creation of a regional grand coalition whose sole goal was to unseat President Tinubu in the 2027 election are also crying over Nigeria's alleged slide toward authoritarianism and a one-party system.

Even before INEC raises the alarm about party politicking, the modern-day defenders of democracy are quick to attribute the political changes in some states to "bribery, blackmail, and coercion" without providing any proof, despite the fact that they did not voice any concerns about the disgruntled politicians forming an anti-Tinubu, anti-APC coalition along risky regional lines.

Freedom of association, freedom of speech, and freedom of choice are unquestionably among the most prized democratic virtues. Democracy is under danger when citizens and politicians are unable to publicly express their opinions or freely join any association or political party of their choosing.

"Those who are against the Tinubu administration should realize that because we live in a vibrant democracy, they can criticize the government without fear.

When opposition politicians and their allies in the "human rights" movement want the president's party to fall apart in order to gain an electoral edge and then cry wolf when their wish is not fulfilled, it is blatant hypocrisy.

"We wish to emphasize that the mere fact that politicians exercise their freedom of association does not in any way threaten or undermine democracy."

According to Onanuga, democracy is robust under Tinubu and the multiparty democratic system will continue to thrive unchecked.

His administration is steadfast in its commitment to preserving and bolstering the democratic underpinnings that have supported our Fourth Republic since 1999. It is neither new nor unique to Nigeria for politicians to switch parties.

"Notable politicians, statesmen, and women who switched parties are readily available examples in more developed democracies," he stated.

President Tinubu and the APC's National Working Committee, led by Abdullahi Ganduje, deserve praise for making the ruling party viable and appealing to all Nigerians who are eager to take part in the democratic process, Onanuga continued.

"President Tinubu firmly believes in multiparty democracy and is an outspoken democrat. He is a proven advocate of multiparty democracy, as seen by his political activism and democratic credentials in uniting and fortifying opposition platforms as a force that overthrew the then-ruling party and a sitting president.

"We encourage all Nigerians to work with the government to safeguard our democracy by honoring the decisions made by our people and avoiding alarmists who base their stories on fiction," the statement continued.