Tinubu defends defections into APC: ‘Freedom of movement’

The president spoke on Thursday at the APC National Summit in Abuja, where the government also presented its two-year performance report across major sectors.

The president dismissed concerns about Nigeria becoming a one-party state, emphasising that political changes result from free choice, not coercion. He noted that the constitution guarantees the right to join any party.

“Before I skip, I just need to tell those ones saying one-party system is no good: it’s one party ruling and driving the aspirations of Nigerians. Where do they start?” He asked.

“You don’t blame people bailing out of a sinking ship when they have no life jacket. We are in a constitutional democracy. Don’t forget, the freedom of movement and association is not criminally punishable. Welcome to the progressives—sweep them clean.

“We are just halfway through the journey that began 24 months ago. The faithfulness of Nigerians in assessing how far we have progressed is steering our country along the critical path of our socio-economic development,” he stated.

Tinubu’s remarks come as opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) accuse the APC of weakening rivals and encouraging defections to cement its power before the 2027 elections. They warn that this could lead to a one-party system.

Notable recent defections include six House of Representatives members from Delta State who left the PDP for the APC, as well as the Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and the 2023 PDP vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa. The Labour Party has also lost members to the APC.

However, the APC has rejected these claims, saying its growth is due to good governance and public support.

In a show of confidence, the National Assembly and the APC, at Thursday’s summit, officially endorsed President Tinubu for a second term in 2027.