President Bola Tinubu has described recent waves of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a sign of political instability within the opposition, likening the defectors to individuals fleeing a “sinking ship” without life jackets.
Tinubu made the statement on Thursday during the APC National Summit in Abuja, where he addressed party members and stakeholders on the state of the nation’s politics and the strength of the ruling party.
While addressing concerns about Nigeria potentially heading toward a one-party state, the president dismissed the criticisms, saying the APC remains committed to driving the aspirations of Nigerians.
“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,” Tinubu said. “Where do they stand? You don’t blame people bailing out of a sinking ship when they have no life jacket.”
Tinubu emphasized that the APC would continue to welcome new members, highlighting the constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of movement and association.
“We are in a constitutional democracy,” he added. “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 growing trend of defections to the APC. Notably, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and a host of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members recently joined the ruling party, marking a significant political shift in the South-South