The All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that it cannot prevent politicians from joining the party, amid a recent surge in defections. According to Felix Morka, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, the influx of new members is a testament to the confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Morka made this statement during an interview on Arise Television, where he addressed concerns over the growing number of governors joining the APC, including the recent defection of the Kano State governor.
Morka attributed the defections to the governors’ desire to align themselves with the “resurging Nigeria” under the Tinubu administration. He emphasized that the party welcomes new members and does not intend to act as a barrier to those seeking to join. “We are happy, we are excited about people who join our party. We cannot be gatekeepers to filter out people who want to join our camp. We don’t do that because it is undemocratic,” he said.
Addressing fears that the defections could lead to a one-party state, Morka drew parallels with Nigeria’s past, citing the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) dominance in the country’s governance. He noted that the PDP had previously governed Nigeria with a similar number of governors without undermining democracy. Morka argued that the current situation is different and should not be equated with the prospect of a one-party state.
The APC’s stance on the defections reflects the party’s commitment to democratic principles and its willingness to accommodate new members. As the party continues to grow, it remains to be seen how the influx of new members will impact the country’s political landscape. The recent defections have sparked debate about the potential implications for Nigeria’s democracy, with some expressing concerns about the concentration of power in one party. However, Morka’s comments suggest that the APC is confident in its ability to maintain a democratic system, even in the face of growing support.
