Former Benue State governorship aspirant Okokwu Ogenyi warned that the recent wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is driven more by personal political ambitions than by genuine alignment with the party’s ideology. Ogenyi, who also sits on the governing council of the Nigeria French Language Village in Badagry, Lagos, made these observations in an interview with Media Talk Africa.
He explained that while some politicians are attracted to the APC’s policies under President Tinubu, many are motivated by the desire to secure re‑election or protect their own political interests. Ogenyi emphasized that distinguishing between these two groups is crucial, as it highlights the complexities of political defections in Nigeria. He cited the recent defection of the Governor of Enugu State from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC as an example, suggesting that such moves often result from careful political calculation rather than a deep‑seated commitment to the party’s ideology.
Ogenyi’s comments come as the APC experiences a significant influx of new members, with many politicians seeking to join its ranks. While this trend may appear positive for the APC, he warned that it also poses a risk of internal conflicts if newcomers do not share the party’s progressive goals. He stressed the importance of remaining committed to party ideologies rather than switching allegiance for personal gain.
In Ogenyi’s view, political success depends not on the number of defectors a party can attract but on its ability to deliver on promises and communicate effectively with the public. He argued that a party’s achievements and its capacity to foster public trust are far more important than its membership numbers. As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve, Ogenyi’s remarks remind us that the country’s democratic process is shaped by a complex mix of personal ambition, ideological commitment, and strategic calculation.
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