The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of pursuing a deliberate plan to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, following the recent defections of the governors of Enugu and Bayelsa states.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the defections as a “betrayal of the people” and evidence of a “grand conspiracy against Nigerians.”
“The recent defections by the governors of Enugu and Bayelsa States to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) validate the African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s long-standing warning that President Bola Tinubu is determined to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, no matter the cost to democracy or national stability,” the statement read in part.
The ADC accused the defecting governors of abandoning their citizens for “selfish political interests,” claiming their actions further expose the ruling party’s alleged failures.
“Nigerians can see the current state of the nation. They live through the APC’s failures every single day,” the statement continued. “The Tinubu administration has failed on insecurity, failed on economic management, failed on healthcare, failed on social welfare, failed on corruption, and failed to restore Nigeria’s standing in the international community.”
According to the opposition party, worsening living conditions—rising food prices, unemployment, and insecurity—are a direct consequence of APC’s governance. The ADC argued that rather than stand with their people to provide an alternative, the defecting governors “joined the gravy train.”
The party, however, maintained that it is not shaken by the defections. Instead, it said the development has clearly defined the political lines ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“While the ruling party continues to celebrate the defection of these governors, the ADC and the opposition coalition are equally delighted that the line has been made even clearer between those who are committed to saving the country and those who merely want to join the gravy train,” the statement added. “The people can see, and they are waiting. 2027 will be a clear battle between the people of Nigeria and President Tinubu and his gang of governors in the APC.”
The ADC’s remarks come amid growing concerns among opposition groups over what they describe as a shrinking democratic space and efforts by the ruling party to consolidate power across states.