Wave of Defections Expected to Hit Nigerian Opposition Parties
In a significant development that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas has predicted a wave of high-profile defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Abbas, this trend is driven by increasing public confidence in the APC, which has been on the rise under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at the APC North-West Zonal stakeholders’ meeting in Kaduna, Abbas cited recent examples of prominent opposition figures joining the APC, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. He also noted that numerous federal lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party have defected to the APC, many citing internal crises within their former parties.
The APC has made significant gains since the 2023 general elections, securing governorships in 19 states and holding the majority in both chambers of the National Assembly. Recent defections from lawmakers across Kano, Osun, Kebbi, Delta, and Edo States have brought the total number of defectors in the House to 25. Abbas expressed optimism about the party’s future, saying, "We expect many more high-profile defections in the near future, further reflecting the growing trust Nigerians have in our party and in President Tinubu’s leadership."
Abbas also highlighted the importance of the North-West geopolitical zone, describing it as a key electoral stronghold and a major influence in determining the outcomes of national elections. With over 22 million registered voters, the North-West is a decisive force in shaping electoral outcomes. The APC has revitalized its presence in Zamfara and Sokoto and consolidated its standing in the South-South, with recent electoral successes in Rivers and Bayelsa.
However, Abbas cautioned that while the party boasts a substantial voter base, numbers alone are not enough to guarantee electoral success. "Discipline and unity are essential," he emphasized, urging all stakeholders to remain true to the party’s core values and promote internal cohesion. Abbas also stressed the need for sustained engagement and collaboration across all regions to solidify the APC’s growing influence.
The Speaker identified rising insecurity and declining agricultural productivity as urgent challenges facing the North-West and proposed the creation of a zonal coordination platform to address these issues. He also called for greater inclusion of young people and women in the party’s activities, emphasizing their vital role in shaping the region’s political future. As the APC looks to build on its recent successes, Abbas’s words serve as a reminder that the party’s future success will depend on its ability to address the challenges facing the North-West and present a united front.
