Wave of Defections Boosts APC Amid Fears of One-Party Dominance As Wole Oke Joins APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to attract a growing wave of defections from opposition parties, signaling a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. Most recently, two lawmakers of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Abdullahi Rogo and Kabiru Rurum, formally joined the ruling party, further consolidating the APC’s influence in Kano State.

The two federal lawmakers represent the Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya and Karaye/Rogo constituencies, respectively. Their move adds to the tally of over 30 opposition politicians who have defected to the APC in recent months.

While this political momentum appears to be bolstering the APC’s national strength, it has also stirred growing concerns about the health of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, with some critics warning of an emerging one-party dominance.

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“Zamfara APC Supporters Reject Governor Lawal’s Alleged Defection Plans”

Despite the steady stream of defections, not all are welcomed with open arms. In Zamfara State, a pro-APC group known as Zamfara APC Supporters (ZAS) issued a public call urging the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, to reject Governor Dauda Lawal’s alleged bid to join the APC.

The group accused Governor Lawal, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), of attempting to seek political refuge within the APC to avoid prosecution over alleged ties to controversial figures such as former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke and ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele.

ZAS Chairman Muttaka Bore stated, “Governor Dauda wants to reap where he did not sow. He always boasts that the people voted for him. Let him remain in the PDP and test that popularity in 2027.”

Bore described the governor’s rumored defection as a desperate move for a “soft landing” amid possible anti-corruption probes and affirmed that Zamfara APC members are satisfied with their current leadership. “We do not welcome an additional burden,” he added.

“PDP Crumbles in Kebbi as Senators Defect to APC”

Meanwhile, in Kebbi State, the PDP has been declared “politically irrelevant” by the state government following the high-profile defections of three serving senators—Adamu Aliero, Garba Maidoki, and Yahaya Abdullahi—to the APC. The move, widely seen as a deathblow to the PDP in the state, is credited to the performance and popularity of Governor Nasir Idris since his election in 2023.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed, the defection was portrayed as a turning point. “The party has been on life support for months,” the statement read. “The exit of Aliero, Maidoki, and Abdullahi is the final nail in the coffin. These were the party’s strongest pillars.”

The announcement reflects a broader narrative of the PDP’s diminishing foothold in key regions, particularly in the North-West.

“Wole Oke Joins APC Amid Criticism Over Constitutionality”

The defections are not limited to the northern region. In the South-West, Wole Oke, the PDP lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State, also crossed over to the APC. His formal defection was announced during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen. On hand to witness the event was APC Chairman Ganduje, flanked by several members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

However, Oke’s defection drew criticism from Minority Whip Isa Ali, who argued that the switch violated constitutional provisions. While Ali did not elaborate on the specifics, he hinted at legal implications for lawmakers switching parties without valid reasons tied to party crisis or division.

Despite the objections, the APC has continued to welcome new entrants, reinforcing its majority position in the National Assembly.

“APC Denies One-Party Agenda Amid Defection Surge”

Amid rising concerns about the APC’s growing dominance, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, appeared on Arise Television’s The Morning Show to clarify the party’s position. He dismissed fears of a one-party state, asserting that the APC was merely benefiting from its growing appeal and organizational strength.

Morka pointed out that during the PDP’s time in power, it controlled over 28 states without being accused of undermining the nation’s democratic framework.

“The APC is not trying to turn Nigeria into a one-party state,” Morka said. “What you are seeing is the natural movement of politicians who believe in the party’s ideology and leadership.”

He added that those joining the APC are doing so voluntarily and in accordance with democratic norms.

“Defections as a Political Litmus Test for 2027”

With the 2027 elections looming on the horizon, these defections are more than just routine political moves—they are shaping the power dynamics that will influence the future of Nigeria’s democracy. The APC, emboldened by its swelling ranks, is consolidating its presence across traditional PDP strongholds. However, critics warn that this could stifle political diversity and weaken the checks and balances essential in a multi-party system.

Whether these shifts will ultimately strengthen the ruling party or stir internal contradictions remains to be seen. But what is clear is that Nigeria’s political terrain is undergoing a significant transformation—one that could redefine alliances, opposition strength, and democratic stability in the years to come.