ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, May 22, 2025, described the wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a sign that Nigeria’s political landscape is shifting decisively in the party’s favour, likening the trend to people “bailing from a sinking ship.”
Speaking at the APC’s national summit in Abuja, Tinubu defended the growing dominance of his party amid criticism that Nigeria was sliding toward a one-party state.
He said the APC is “driving the aspirations of Nigerians” and dismissed concerns about political plurality.
“Before I skip: I just need to tell those ones saying a one-party system is no good that one party is ruling and driving the aspirations of Nigerians,” the president said during his remarks.
“Where do they stand? You don’t blame people bailing out of a sinking ship when they have no life jacket. I am glad of what we have, and I am expecting more to come; that is the game. We are in a constitutional democracy.”
Tinubu further emphasised the legal framework supporting political affiliation, stating, “Don’t forget that the freedom of movement and freedom of association are not criminally punishable. Welcome to the progressives; sweep them clean.”
The president’s comments come amid a continued influx of opposition figures into the APC.
On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, along with several members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, defected to the ruling party in a move that fuelled speculation of a coordinated political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nigerians have raised concerns about the implications of the defections on the country’s democratic health, warning that the weakening of opposition parties could erode accountability and political diversity.
The APC, however, maintains that its growing ranks reflect popular support for the Tinubu administration’s policies.
