The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended the recent wave of defections by state governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to its fold, insisting that the moves are within their constitutional rights and pose no threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Barr. Felix Morka, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, the ruling party faulted a Daily Trust editorial titled “APC Should Learn From History”, describing it as biased, misleading, and ignorant of constitutional principles.
Morka said the newspaper’s claim that the defections could undermine Nigeria’s multiparty system and create a one-party state was “a reckless display of ignorance and editorial prejudice.”
“The paper failed miserably to explain how the exercise by governors of their constitutional freedom of association threatens multiparty democracy or signifies a descent into a one-party system,” he stated.
The APC maintained that no law bars elected officials from changing political affiliation, stressing that freedom of association is a fundamental right enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
“If that was ever the intendment of the framers of our constitution, it would have been clearly stated and not left to Daily Trust’s warped conjecture,” the statement added.
Morka said the party reserves the right to admit any Nigerian who subscribes to its ideals, emphasizing that no governor was coerced or induced to join the APC. He attributed the spate of defections to the internal weaknesses of opposition parties, not any democratic threat, noting that political realignments have always been part of Nigeria’s political evolution.
“Defections in Nigerian politics are neither new nor one-sided. In Daily Trust’s perspective, defections to APC are a threat to democracy, but defections from APC to opposition parties advance democracy. That double standard is glaring and unacceptable,” Morka said.
The APC dismissed claims that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state, calling such assertions baseless and politically motivated.
“One-party states are not created by anyone’s wishful thinking. They require constitutional and legislative reforms that are both undesirable and unattainable in Nigeria’s multiparty democracy,” the party added.
Morka further noted that about 19 political parties remain active in the country, arguing that the APC’s growing influence should not be mistaken for an erosion of political plurality.
He urged Daily Trust to uphold responsible journalism and refrain from promoting opinion as fact, while reaffirming the ruling party’s commitment to good governance.
“Our great party and the administration of President Bola Tinubu remain committed to implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda to improve the lives of Nigerians and build a stronger, more prosperous nation,” Morka concluded.
