In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Adams Oshiomhole, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and senator representing Edo North, responded to concerns surrounding the growing number of defections to the APC, dismissing fears that it could threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
On Tuesday, three senators formally defected to the APC, raising the party’s total Senate strength to 68 — putting them closer to securing a two-thirds majority. While this shift in power has stirred debate, Oshiomhole was quick to address claims that a dominant APC could stifle democratic practices within the National Assembly.
“Whether this is a danger to democracy? No, I don’t think so,” Oshiomhole firmly stated. “A majority in the APC will not eliminate debates or dissent in the National Assembly. Lawmakers tend to vote based on issues, not party lines.”
Oshiomhole’s remarks come as some critics warn that the APC’s growing influence could undermine legislative independence. However, he argued that in a democracy, diverse views should persist, even within a single-party majority. “If you’ve been following debates in the Senate, sometimes you can’t even distinguish who is PDP or APC based on the positions people take,” he added.
Drawing comparisons to the United States, Oshiomhole explained that having a unified legislature is not uncommon in democratic systems. “The US celebrates when a president has control of both the Congress and the Senate. Every government wants that because democracy, in a sense, is not only a means to an end — it is an end in itself.”
Loyalty to National Interests Over Party Allegiance
Oshiomhole stressed that his ultimate loyalty is to the nation and not any particular political party. “If you watch my contributions on the floor of the Senate, the first party is the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said, further asserting that his political priorities would always align with national interest, especially when in conflict with party interests.
He elaborated: “The total of all political parties in Nigeria, whether in or out of government, is not equivalent to Nigeria. If I see a conflict between party interest and national interest, I have no difficulty in resolving it in favour of Nigeria.”
Reflection on Recent Defections
The former APC chairman expressed his personal satisfaction with the recent defections, highlighting that the senators who joined the party were foundational members of the APC. “I was particularly excited because those who joined us today include co-founders of the APC. When a founder of a house returns to the house, those of us who have been there and missed their absence, it’s a thing of joy,” he said.
Oshiomhole also dismissed claims of coercion regarding the defections, stating that such accusations were baseless.
‘Forgiveness’ Comment Clarified
Touching on his controversial 2019 comment, “when you join the APC, your sins are forgiven,” Oshiomhole defended his statement, asserting that it had been deliberately misinterpreted. “It hurt me. That was mischief,” he said, referring to the media storm that followed his remarks.
APC Strengthens Its Hold
The recent defections — Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) — formally transitioned from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC during a Senate plenary. Their decision to cross party lines followed a meeting with President Bola Tinubu and other party leaders.
The defections have bolstered the APC’s position in the 10th Senate, increasing its total to 68 seats. The current composition of the Senate now stands as follows: APC – 68, PDP – 30, Labour Party – 5, NNPP – 1, SDP – 2, and APGA – 1.
Meanwhile, the PDP is actively engaging in reconciliation efforts as defections continue to rise, putting pressure on the opposition party to strategise for the upcoming political battles.
Rejecting Rotational Presidency
In another comment, Oshiomhole expressed support for the rejection of a bill proposing rotational presidency by the House of Representatives. He stated that efforts to impose geographical rotation through law were without merit. “Tinubu didn’t need rotation to be president — he fought his way through,” Oshiomhole remarked.
As defections continue to reshape the political landscape, all eyes remain on how the APC plans to consolidate its power and whether the growing dominance of the ruling party will foster or hinder democratic dialogue in Nigeria’s political system.