ABUJA — May 23, 2025 | Naija247news — Amid intensifying political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday firmly defended the surge of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that Nigeria’s constitution grants citizens the freedom to associate and align with any political party of their choice.
Speaking at the APC National Summit in Abuja—where his administration also unveiled its two-year performance scorecard—President Tinubu dismissed opposition concerns of a looming one-party state. He declared that the growing support for the APC was driven by voluntary allegiance, not political coercion.
“People are not being forced. They are exercising their rights. When a ship is sinking and there are no life jackets, you can’t blame people for jumping off,” Tinubu said. “This is a constitutional democracy. Freedom of association is protected—not a crime. So, we welcome all progressives to join us.”
APC Rides High on Defections as Opposition Alleges Political Intimidation
The president’s comments come amid accusations from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) that the APC is orchestrating a silent campaign to weaken opposition structures through strategic defections.
Key recent crossovers include six House of Representatives members from Delta State, as well as Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former PDP vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa. The Labour Party has also reported internal shakeups as members continue to decamp.
Despite the criticism, the APC insists the growing defections are a testament to its policy performance and the electorate’s confidence in Tinubu’s leadership. “We are halfway through the journey that began 24 months ago,” Tinubu told party stakeholders. “The people are watching, and their judgment is guiding our progress.”
In a display of party unity and strategic positioning, the APC and National Assembly formally endorsed Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Economic Reforms Under Tinubu: Hardship Today, Hope for Tomorrow
President Tinubu used the platform to underscore the impact of his sweeping economic reforms, which began after he assumed office in May 2023. Backed by global institutions, his administration has pursued a bold fiscal reset, including the controversial removal of fuel subsidies and a free-floating naira.
While these reforms have unleashed a cost-of-living crisis—pushing nearly half of Nigerians into poverty in 2024—Tinubu insisted the tough measures are already producing early gains.
“Today, I am proud to say our economic reforms are working,” he declared. “Removing subsidies was a hard but necessary step. We couldn’t keep borrowing against the future of our unborn children.”
He noted the ripple effects: skyrocketing fuel prices, inflation, and a surge in food and transport costs. But he argued that continued reform was crucial to reposition Nigeria as a competitive investment destination.
“Our country is now attracting more foreign capital. These investments will create jobs and deliver essential goods and services to millions of Nigerians,” the president added.
Crackdown on Corruption, Boost for Transparency
In line with Tinubu’s anti-corruption posture, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently seized over 700 properties linked to the embattled former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele—a move the president cited as proof of reform traction.
He warned against allowing the corruption-ridden foreign exchange arbitrage to return, calling it “the grandfather of all graft.”
“We inherited broken systems. But with courage, we’ve begun the hard work of national renewal. Rebuilding Nigeria is not for the faint-hearted,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu Vows to Press On Despite Pushback
Acknowledging the resistance his government has faced, Tinubu
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Reporting by Joshua Chinonye in Lagos, Nigeria.
