The Mystifying Exodus of Politicians: Why More Are Joining the APC
LP Representative Speaks on APC Defectors' Survival
As reported by our esteemed publication, the growing trend of opposition politicians migrating to the All Progressives Congress (APC) raises eyebrows among political pundits.
Recall the recent shifts in allegiance, with Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Ifeanyi Okowa, as well as Osun PDP representative Wole Oke, joining the ranks of those defecting to the APC. Former spokesman to ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, Umar Sani, even accused the current President Bola Tinubu of establishing a one-party state.
In an exclusive chat with Daily Trust, Afam Ogene, Labour Party (LP) member for Ogbaru Constituency and leader of LP's caucus in the House of Representatives, shed light on the motivations behind this phenomenon.
"It's simply about survival," asserted Ogene.
To address the issue of mass political defections, the legislator suggested that it's necessary to revise the country's laws.
"We'll probably firm up the laws. The constitutional review process is ongoing," stated Ogene. He went on to say, "The drawback is that those thinking it's in their favour today won't allow radical and progressive changes to be made. But we'll continue to push for it. As we keep advocating, the idea resonates, so even if we don't achieve it now, victories for democracy will be won in the coming years."
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Insights
- Political Landscape Shift: The rising exodus of opposition politicians to the ruling APC signifies a significant change in Nigeria's political landscape, with multiple factors influencing this trend.
- Strategic Realignment: As the 2027 elections approach, some opposition politicians may choose to realign themselves with the ruling party to gain leverage from its presumed dominance and access resources.
- Weak Opposition Cohesion: Attempts to build a united front against APC have faltered due to defections from opposition governors and members, weakening collaboration among opposition parties.
- Perceived Benefits: Defecting lawmakers seek better positions, access to resources, and political relevance in a system dominated by the APC, often citing disenchantment with their parties' prospects and dissatisfaction with leadership as their motivations.
- Internal Opposition Challenges: Critics point to the opposition parties' dismissive attitude towards members, weak internal democracy, and lack of effective leadership as causes for defections.
- Local Dynamics: Defections in states like Delta State indicate regional political adjustments possibly influenced by local political calculations and alliances.
The complete overview highlights reasons for the defectors' moves, implications on political balance, potential consequences, and possible solutions to deter further defections.
- Despite the ongoing constitutional review process, Afam Ogene, a Labour Party member in the House of Representatives, suggests stronger laws may be needed to address the increasing phenomenon of politicians defecting from their parties, such as the PDP, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as exemplified by Governors Sheriff Oborevwori, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Wole Oke, among others.
- As the political landscape in Nigeria undergoes a significant shift due to the exodus of opposition politicians to the ruling APC, some opposition politicians consider strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, aiming to gain leverage from the APC's perceived dominance and access resources.
- In response to critics asserting that the APC is establishing a one-party state, the current President Bola Tinubu remains a central figure in the political defections, as reflected in the accusations leveled by former spokesman to ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, Umar Sani.
- In the face of the continuous drawback from opposition parties and weak internal democracy, defections persist, with lawmakers such as Osun PDP representative Wole Oke seeking better positions, access to resources, and political relevance in a system dominated by the APC, as well as citing disenchantment with their parties' prospects and dissatisfaction with leadership as motivations.
