Dare Babalola
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso over their latest political realignment, describing their repeated movement across parties as evidence of a lack of seriousness and clear ideological commitment.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, where he reacted to the decision of Obi and Kwankwaso to leave the African Democratic Congress and join the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
The two opposition figures were formally received into the NDC on Sunday after a meeting with party leaders, in a development seen as part of wider political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi, who was the Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, and Kwankwaso, candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party in the same election, had reportedly cited persistent legal disputes within the ADC and what they described as a hostile political atmosphere allegedly encouraged by the ruling APC as reasons for their exit.
But Morka dismissed the allegations, insisting that the APC had no hand in the internal crises affecting opposition parties.
He said it was unreasonable to blame the ruling party for every disagreement or defection within rival political groups, adding that the latest events further exposed leadership weaknesses among opposition figures.
According to him, rather than building strong parties or presenting Nigerians with alternative policy ideas, many opposition politicians were preoccupied with searching for platforms that would easily hand them presidential tickets.
Morka said the frequent movement of political leaders from one party to another reflected desperation rather than principle, accusing them of abandoning organisations whenever challenges emerged.
He particularly referenced Obi, noting that the former Anambra State governor had previously criticised politicians who defected for convenience, but was now engaged in the same conduct.
The APC spokesman argued that such behaviour raised concerns about leadership consistency, especially for individuals seeking the nation’s highest office.
He also maintained that opposition parties were solely responsible for their internal troubles and that the APC had no need to destabilise any rival platform.
Morka described the ADC’s recent turmoil as self-inflicted, saying internal ambitions and competing interests within the party were enough to trigger its collapse without outside interference.
The APC chieftain further claimed that Nigeria was making progress under the current administration despite criticism from opposition leaders, insisting that the country had performed better than many government critics predicted.
Obi and Kwankwaso were welcomed into the NDC on Sunday by former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, who is regarded as a leading figure in the party.
Their arrival is expected to reshape opposition politics as consultations and alliances intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
