President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended the wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing them as a reflection of Nigeria’s constitutional freedoms rather than an attempt to establish a one-party state.
Speaking at the APC National Summit in Abuja on Thursday, where his administration also unveiled a two-year performance report across key sectors, Tinubu rejected concerns raised by opposition parties about the future of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
“There’s nothing unconstitutional about politicians choosing where to align,” Tinubu said. “Freedom of movement and association is protected by our constitution. You can’t blame people for jumping off a sinking ship when they have no life jackets.”
Dismissing claims that the APC was undermining Nigeria’s political diversity, Tinubu added, “This is not coercion. It’s a result of Nigerians freely making choices. If people are joining the progressives, it’s because we’re delivering results.”
His remarks come amid rising criticism from parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), who accuse the APC of weakening opposition platforms ahead of the 2027 elections. In recent weeks, the APC has absorbed several high-profile figures, including six PDP members of the House of Representatives from Delta State, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and PDP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa. The LP has also lost key members to the ruling party.
Despite the criticism, the APC maintains that its growing appeal stems from its governance performance. At the summit, the National Assembly and party leadership publicly endorsed Tinubu for a second term in 2027.
Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu has implemented sweeping economic reforms aimed at stabilizing Nigeria’s economy. These include currency liberalization and the controversial removal of fuel subsidies. While the reforms have attracted international support and investment, they’ve also triggered a severe cost-of-living crisis, pushing nearly half the population into poverty.
Nonetheless, Tinubu insists the measures were essential. “There is nothing good that comes easy,” he said. “We couldn’t keep mortgaging our children’s future through unsustainable fuel subsidies. It had to end.”
On corruption, the president pointed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) recovery of over 700 properties linked to former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele as proof of the administration’s anti-corruption stance.
“Allowing the previous arbitrage in the foreign exchange system would’ve destroyed us. That was the grandfather of corruption,” Tinubu said. “We are fixing that.”
He stressed that the reforms were laying the groundwork for long-term growth, job creation, and improved living standards. “Our economy is on the path to recovery. Foreign investors are returning, and opportunities are expanding.”
Despite facing stiff resistance, Tinubu said the administration remains committed to its progressive vision. “They fought us with everything they had—created artificial scarcity, spread fear—but we stood firm,” he said.
He also condemned societal neglect, citing the lack of basic amenities in some communities and the plight of out-of-school children. “It’s a shame. But we are the progressives, and we will not give up.”
Looking beyond Nigeria, Tinubu called on citizens to embrace the country’s potential and tackle the real obstacles to progress.
“Africa needs Nigeria to lead. But corruption, indiscipline, and power abuse are holding us back,” he said. “If we’ve come this far in two years, the next two will be transformative.”
The summit drew top political figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, governors, and senior party leaders.