Nigeria: Nigerian presidency responds to APC allegations
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The Nigerian presidency has responded to allegations of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) poaching members from opposition parties, stating that recent defections are a result of free will, not coercion. According to Lorry Lorry does not appear in the supporting evidence; thus, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinadinubu on Information and Strategy, “Nigerians migrating to the APC and expressing support for Tinadinubu are doing so out of their free will, based on the belief that the reforms are in the interest of Nigerians and the unborn generation”.
This statement comes after several high-profile politicians defected to the APC, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and former vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ifeanyi Okowa. The PDP, Labour Party, and New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNP) are struggling with internal crises, which some attribute to the APC’s alleged efforts to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. However, the presidency denies these claims, attributing the defections to the APC’s attractive leadership and policies.
Free will defections the presidency asserts that politicians are joining the APC voluntarily, driven by the party’s policies and leadership.
Rebuttal of Coercion Claims
The presidency denies allegations of coercion, stating that there is no evidence to support these claims.
Strengthening democracy, the APC claims to be committed to upholding and strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria.
Criticisms of Opposition The presidency criticizes the opposition for poor organization and lack of vision, contributing to their decline.
Some analysts believe the APC’s growth is due to President Tinubu’s leadership style and governance approach. Others argue that the opposition’s disintegration is the primary cause of the defections. The presidency maintains that the APC’s appeal lies in its stability and reliability as a political platform.
