As governors, lawmakers, and influential figures move to the ruling party, analysts and citizens warn of weakening opposition and shrinking democratic checks.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is tightening its grip on Nigeria’s political landscape as pressure mounts on key political figures to abandon opposition parties and join the ruling platform, raising concerns about the future of multi-party democracy in the country.
In recent weeks, a wave of defections and planned crossovers has underscored the APC’s expanding influence. Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang, is set to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC, citing internal crises within his former party and the need to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political direction. His political adviser, Istifanus Nwansat, described the move as the “safest decision with the least risk,” given what he called the chaos in the PDP.
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Similarly, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced his defection to the APC, saying the move would enable him to give “full support” to President Tinubu. His decision followed a closed-door meeting with the President and came shortly after 16 Rivers lawmakers, including the Speaker of the House of Assembly, also crossed over to the ruling party.
With Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas already in its fold and Muftwang’s imminent defection, the APC is now poised to control 26 of Nigeria’s 36 states, further consolidating power ahead of the 2027 general election.
Some APC leaders have openly dismissed the strength of the opposition. Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire of Ondo Central recently declared that there is “no serious opposition or coalition” capable of challenging President Tinubu in 2027, insisting that allies of the President are already mobilising for his re-election.
However, the growing dominance of the APC has sparked unease among opposition figures and political observers. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) revealed that she has faced persistent pressure from individuals within the Presidency and the National Assembly to defect from the PDP to the APC, offers she has firmly rejected.
“Why should I go and join the APC? Everybody is going there. I don’t have to follow the bandwagon,” she said, warning against what she described as coercion and political intimidation.
Political Analyst, Peter Faniyi, warned that the steady erosion of opposition parties could weaken accountability and checks and balances in governance, noting that democracy thrives on competition, not uniformity.
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“When one party controls most states, the legislature and the centre, dissenting voices become weaker. This can lead to abuse of power and poor governance because there is little fear of effective opposition,” he said.
Citizens are also expressing concern. A civil servant in Ibadan, Oyo State, Joshua Oladapo, said the trend is worrying. “If everyone joins one party, who will question the government? Democracy is not about everyone wearing the same uniform,” he said.
Another resident, Mr. Daniel Adeyemi, a banker in Lagos, warned that political dominance could alienate voters. “Today, they say there is no opposition. Tomorrow, the people may suffer because nobody is checking them,” he said.
While the APC continues to present defections as a sign of confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, critics insist that Nigeria’s democracy depends on strong, credible opposition parties. As more political heavyweights cross over to the ruling party, the debate is intensifying over whether political survival is being prioritised over democratic balance, and what that could mean for Nigeria’s future.
