The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticized the recent defections of two state governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), calling the moves a coordinated assault on Nigeria’s democracy and a dangerous step toward a one-party state.

 

According to a report by Tribune on Wednesday, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah officially defected to the APC during a high-profile ceremony in Enugu on Tuesday. Barely 24 hours later, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri followed suit, announcing his defection in Yenagoa, joined by key members of his cabinet who also resigned from the PDP.

 

In a scathing statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC condemned the defections as acts of “political cowardice” and “apostasy”, accusing the governors of abandoning the mandate of the people for personal gain.

 

“These defections are not driven by ideological conviction or the public interest, but by a desperate quest for self-preservation,” Abdullahi stated. “It is a betrayal of democratic principles and a flagrant disregard for the voters who elected these individuals under a different party platform.”

 

The ADC warned that the recent political shifts were part of a broader strategy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to consolidate power, thereby eroding democratic plurality in Nigeria.

 

“The recent defections by the governors of Enugu and Bayelsa States to the ruling APC validate the African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s long-standing warning that President Bola Tinubu is determined to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, no matter the cost to democracy or national stability,” the statement read.

 

The party also voiced concern over the socio-economic backdrop against which these political developments are unfolding. Abdullahi argued that rather than addressing poverty and economic decline, the APC has focused on expanding political dominance.

 

“Millions of Nigerians are grappling with rising costs of living, unemployment, and insecurity. Yet, instead of offering solutions, the ruling party continues to recruit defectors in a bid to tighten its grip on power,” he added.

 

The ADC asserted that the erosion of political competition threatens accountability and marginalizes citizens, weakening the very fabric of democracy. The party reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic values and vowed to resist any attempts to stifle political diversity.

 

“We call on Nigerians to remain vigilant and to reject political opportunism in all its forms. The 2027 elections must be a referendum on governance, not a coronation of impunity,” Abdullahi said.

 

The opposition party concluded by urging citizens to actively engage in governance, hold leaders accountable, and demand transparency and justice regardless of party lines.