1 month ago
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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended the recent wave of defections into its fold, attributing the trend to what it described as superior party management and governance.
The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, made the remarks on Sunday at the Citizens’ Townhall on the 2026 Electoral Act.
Yilwatda dismissed concerns that the growing number of defections could undermine multi-party democracy.
“It is very fair. It is very fair because they discovered that those political parties are already dying. They saw a reason to join us because of how we operate as a party, from party management to organisation and mobilisation,” he said.
He argued that the APC’s internal processes and governance record make it attractive to politicians seeking a viable platform.
“APC seems to be the best party in terms of mobilisation, organisation, and governance. That provides a leeway for competition. When I go to the market, I have a choice to make: a choice between good governance, good party management, and a transparent system,” he stated.
Highlighting what he described as internal cohesion, Yilwatda cited a recent consensus arrangement in Osun State.
“I will give you an example. We have a primary solution where, through consensus, all nine candidates in Osun agreed on a single candidate. No other political party in Nigeria has achieved a consensus like that without ending up in court. Only APC has successfully done that in two states,” he said.
In recent months, the APC’s ranks have swelled, with several politicians defecting from opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party.
The ruling party currently controls about 31 state governments and holds a commanding majority in the National Assembly.
Critics have warned that the trend could edge the country towards a one-party state.
However, Yilwatda insisted that the defections are voluntary and driven by the APC’s “solid organisational structures” and governance approach.
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