As Nigeria’s political realignment gains momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, reports have surfaced alleging that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is offering juicy incentives—including automatic tickets, contracts, and financial inducements—to woo opposition lawmakers and politicians into its fold.
While the APC and defectors have denied the claims, sources suggest that the ruling party is mounting a strategic campaign to consolidate power and improve President Bola Tinubu’s chances of re-election.
A Wave of Defections and a Changing Political Landscape
In recent months, numerous opposition figures—from governors and senators to former legislators—have dumped their parties to join the APC. While many cite internal crises within their former parties, political observers believe these moves are less about ideology and more about personal survival and gain.
Reports indicate that promises of 2027 candidacies and multi-billion naira projects are being used to court these politicians. Some have even been allegedly promised automatic re-election tickets and federal contracts, further boosting their influence at the grassroots.
So far, only one sitting opposition governor, Delta State’s Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected. However, speculation surrounds others, including Alex Otti (LP, Abia), Umo Eno (PDP, Akwa Ibom), and Abba Kabir Yusuf (NNPP, Kano), among others.
Lawmakers Respond: “We Were Not Induced”
Despite the mounting allegations, several defectors insist they switched parties in good faith.
Senator Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), who recently moved to the APC, acknowledged that major projects were approved for his zone—but denied any link between the funding and his defection. “Should I reject a project that benefits my people just because of party labels?” he asked.
Similarly, Rep. Adamu Tanko (Niger State) and Senator Donatus Matthew (Kaduna) dismissed any talk of offers or inducements, calling such claims political rumors.
In Katsina, all three PDP lawmakers in the House of Representatives recently crossed over to the APC. A local party leader claimed it was the PDP’s internal crisis, not APC promises, that drove the defections.
“Homecoming” or Political Calculations?
Some defectors, such as Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi), framed their move as a political return to familiar ground. Others admitted to negotiations but insisted they were for fair representation, not personal gain.
Even as more join the APC, some opposition figures have drawn the line. Senator Ikra Bilbis (Zamfara) publicly denied any plans to defect, despite acknowledging he has secured federal projects under Tinubu’s administration. “He hasn’t even seen me,” he clarified.
Critics Fear a One-Party State
Concerns are growing that the defections could erode democratic competition. Civil society groups and opposition leaders warn of the slow emergence of a one-party state.
But Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele pushed back, saying there’s no coercion involved. “These are patriotic moves to build a united front to tackle Nigeria’s challenges,” he said, urging opponents to focus on governance instead of fear-mongering.
APC: “We’re Just the Better Platform”
Reacting to the allegations, APC’s National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said the ruling party is simply offering politicians what their former parties could not: a viable platform to achieve their ambitions.
“Politics is about finding the best vehicle to reach your destination,” he said. “If the APC is that vehicle, there’s nothing wrong.”
Still, critics argue that this “vehicle” is being powered by unchecked influence, not democratic values—and that without strong opposition, 2027 may be less about choice and more about inevitability.
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