Nigeria’s Labour Party in Lagos State has expressed concerns over the recent wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Sam Okpala, the LP Secretary in Lagos State, the country’s complexity cannot be managed by a single political party. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Okpala stated that despite the surge in defections, he remains convinced that Nigeria’s opposition parties will persist.

The defections have led to speculation about the country’s potential descent into a one-party state. However, Okpala believes that Nigeria’s diversity and complexity make it unlikely to submit to the whims of a single party. He attributed the defections to politicians seeking to further their interests, particularly those who feel they cannot win elections without federal support.

Okpala noted that while the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of association, the frequent party-switching by politicians betrays a lack of principle. He argued that many politicians prioritize personal interests over ideology and philosophy, treating political parties as mere vehicles for gaining power. This approach, Okpala said, undermines the development of a mature democracy, where politicians should prioritize principles and ideology over personal gain.

The recent defections have seen several high-profile politicians, including governors and lawmakers, switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to the APC. Notable examples include Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, who all recently joined the APC. The trend has raised concerns about the health of Nigeria’s democracy and the potential implications for the country’s political landscape.

As the defections continue, Okpala emphasized the need for politicians to adhere to principles and ideology, rather than prioritizing personal interests. Until this shift occurs, he predicted that the trend of party-switching would persist, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic development. The Labour Party’s concerns reflect a broader anxiety about the country’s political stability and the potential consequences of a dominant single party.