The wave of defections by governors and lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has generated mixed reactions across states, with stakeholders sharply divided on whether Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state.
As of May 29, 2023, when governors elected in the general elections were sworn in, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) controlled 11 states, reinforcing its position as the country’s main opposition party at the time.
However, a series of defections to the APC has significantly weakened that structure.
With the latest exits, the PDP is now left with only four serving governors, namely Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).
Sunday Vanguard reliably gathered that as things stands, one of the governors may defect to any viable part before the general elections.
“One of the remaining governors would soon dump the party for a viable platform. He needs a new platform to survive, ” a source said.
The sharp decline from 11 to four governors has intensified concerns among political observers about the shrinking strength of the opposition and the broader implications for Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, as debates continue over whether the country is edging toward dominant-party rule.
Speaking on the matter, National Secretary of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Ogun State, Comrade Oginni Sunday, said:
“It is highly unfortunate that the politics of ideologies is no longer in vogue, due to recklessness and wanton corruption of today’s political leaders.
