Dare Babalola
A chieftain of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), Ladan Salihu, has criticised the defection of some governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the move undermines democracy.
The chieftain expressed concern that these governors decision compromise the democratic process and threaten the country’s political stability.
Speaking on Channels Television on Wednesday, Salihu, who was reacting to the recent defections of governors into the ruling APC said, “I have always raised my voice on the issue of Nigeria gravitating towards a one-party state. Each passing day, my worries are validated by the kind of issues you see with respect to defections.
“When a governor defects from a party to a ruling party, each time such defections happen the arms of democracy are amputated; it should be a thing of concern to all of us.”
Recall that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and his Bayelsa counterpart, Douye Diri, last week defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
While Governor Mbah joined the APC, Diri is yet to announce his next destination.
The move of the Enugu governor marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape, with Mbah citing the need to align Enugu’s progress with national reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Mbah’s defection is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Enugu’s development and secure federal partnership for the state’s long-term growth. He emphasised that the decision was made after extensive consultation with political stakeholders and is aimed at connecting Enugu’s destiny with the broader economic and governance reforms driving Nigeria’s renewal.
The governor’s move has been met with support from some quarters, with the APC now controlling 24 states in Nigeria. However, it has also caused division within the PDP, with some chieftains expressing aggrievement over Mbah’s decision.
