A recent surge in defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s performance, according to Dr. George Agbakahi, an APC chieftain and political analyst. Agbakahi, who also serves as the South‑East leader of the Tinubu Support Organization, said that many defectors are trying to safeguard their political careers as opposition parties struggle to stay afloat. The wave of defections, observed in several states including Enugu, is seen as a significant boost to the APC’s presence in the South‑East.
According to Agbakahi, governors and other defectors are attracted to the APC because of President Tinubu’s policies and initiatives, which he claims have improved the economy. He highlighted the reduction in inflation and the increase in foreign reserves as evidence of the president’s successful economic management. Agbakahi also noted that defection is not new in Nigerian politics, citing historical examples such as former President Donald Trump’s switch from the Democratic to the Republican Party in the United States, and former governor Abubakar Rimi’s move from the People’s Redemption Party to the National Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic.
The APC chieftain dismissed suggestions that the defections are driven by a lack of ideology or personal interest. Instead, he argued that defectors are aligning themselves with a party that shares their vision and policies. He pointed to the governor of Enugu State, who recently joined the APC, as an example of a leader whose vision and policies are intertwined with those of President Tinubu.
Agbakahi said the defections also reflect the APC’s efforts to improve stability and unity within the party. He acknowledged potential challenges arising from the influx of new members, citing Delta State as an example where the party is managing competing factions. These developments have significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape, especially in the South‑East, where the APC is seeking to consolidate its presence. As the party continues to welcome new members, the impact of these defections on the balance of power in the region and the country remains to be seen.
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