The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticized the recent defections of two state governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of orchestrating a deliberate plan to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the moves by the governors of Enugu and Bayelsa as a betrayal of public trust and a dangerous shift toward authoritarian governance.
“These defections are not mere political decisions, they are part of a calculated strategy by President Bola Tinubu and the APC to silence opposition and consolidate absolute power,” the statement read.
According to the ADC, these developments are clear signs that the 2027 elections will no longer be a traditional political contest but a struggle between ordinary Nigerians and what the party called “a political cabal that has plunged the country into hardship and insecurity.”
“These governors are not joining the APC because of shared ideology or public interest. They are abandoning their people to align with a ruling party responsible for daily suffering, from economic decline and corruption to insecurity and poor governance.”
The ADC said Nigerians are now more aware than ever, highlighting that even past supporters of the APC have grown disillusioned.
“Those who once campaigned for the APC or proudly displayed its logo are now distancing themselves from it. This administration has failed to deliver on basic governance, from safety and jobs to healthcare and integrity in leadership,” the party noted.
The ADC lamented the role of the opposition being weakened by defections, saying that in a functioning democracy, the opposition serves as a critical watchdog and voice for the people.
“Nigerians expected these governors to stand firm in the face of misrule. Instead, they’ve joined forces with those causing the country’s decline. This is political apostasy of historic proportions,” Abdullahi stated.
Despite the defections, the ADC insisted that the line has now been clearly drawn between those genuinely fighting for national progress and those driven by self-interest.
“If anything, these defections have clarified who stands with the people and who’s only in it for personal gain. The APC may celebrate now, but Nigerians are watching and they are taking notes,” the party warned.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the ADC vowed to stand firm with the people, describing the coming election as a defining battle for Nigeria’s future.
“It will be the Nigerian people versus President Tinubu and his political allies. And we’re confident the people will choose justice over greed, and democracy over dictatorship.”
