President Bola Tinubu has defended the recent wave of defections into the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying it reflects the party’s growing appeal and the collapse of viable alternatives.
Speaking at the APC National Summit on Thursday, Tinubu dismissed criticisms that the movement toward the ruling party is eroding Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
He argued that such transitions are not only lawful but also a rational response to the nation’s political realities.
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“You don’t blame a people bailing out of a sinking ship when they have no life jacket,” the president said, in what appeared to be a veiled reference to opposition parties struggling to retain relevance.
Responding to concerns that the APC is becoming a hegemonic force, Tinubu said: “I just need to tell those ones saying the one-party system is no good, it’s one party ruling and driving the aspiration of Nigerians.”
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He maintained that the defections were in line with the nation’s democratic freedoms. “We are in a constitutional democracy. Don’t forget the freedom of movement and the freedom of association. It’s not criminally punishable,” he declared.
Tinubu also expressed satisfaction with the current state of the party and predicted more growth ahead. “I’m glad of what we have, and I’m expecting more to come. That is the game.”
