The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nigeria has vehemently condemned the recent defections of the governors of Enugu and Bayelsa States to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the moves confirm its long-held suspicion that President Bola Tinubu is determined to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

According to a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party views the defections not merely as routine political shifts but as a profound betrayal of the Nigerian people and a dangerous indicator for the nation’s democratic future.

Abdullahi stressed that while such defections might superficially appear to strengthen the APC, they represent a significant loss for democracy. He described the actions as a deliberate strategy by the ruling party to weaken the opposition and consolidate unchecked power, regardless of the consequences for stability and cohesion. The ADC specifically accused the defecting governors of abandoning their citizens in favor of aligning with a government that, in its words, has made life “miserable” for the majority of Nigerians.

Citing the failures of the APC administration, Abdullahi highlighted widespread insecurity, severe economic hardship, and inadequate social welfare as evidence of misgovernance. He argued that the Tinubu administration has failed across critical sectors, including security, economic management, healthcare, anti-corruption, and foreign policy. He painted a grim picture of daily life, noting that food prices continue to escalate, job opportunities remain scarce, and insecurity persists across all regions of the country.

The ADC further condemned the defecting governors, describing their actions as acts of “political apostasy.” Abdullahi contended that these leaders abdicated their responsibility to stand with the people and provide alternative solutions, choosing instead to join what he termed a “grand conspiracy against the Nigerian people.” He suggested that their decisions were driven by cowardice and selfishness rather than conviction. According to the party, the duty of the opposition in a democracy is to defend the populace, offer alternative policies, and guide the people out of hardship, roles the defecting governors have failed to fulfill.

Despite these setbacks, the ADC and its opposition coalition expressed optimism, noting that the political landscape has become clearer by distinguishing those committed to national salvation from those seeking personal gain. The party concluded by declaring that the 2027 general elections will not be a conventional contest between political parties but a decisive struggle between the resilient Nigerian people and President Tinubu’s administration, alongside his allied APC governors, whom the ADC blames for plunging the majority into abject poverty.