By Muhammad Mamman
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has set stringent conditions that must be met before he would consider defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Abia South lawmaker, a senior figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made his position clear amid growing speculation over potential realignments as political parties position themselves for the next electoral cycle.
Speaking through close associates, Abaribe dismissed claims of an imminent defection, stressing that any move to the ruling party would depend on firm guarantees centred on internal democracy, respect for party structures and the protection of democratic values.
He insisted that he would not join any political platform that suppresses dissent or marginalises critical voices, adding that principles, rather than political convenience, would guide his decisions.
The senator further emphasised the need for credible leadership and a clear policy direction capable of addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges, insecurity and governance deficits. According to him, without demonstrable commitment to reforms and inclusiveness, a defection would be “out of the question”.
Abaribe, a former deputy governor of Abia State and ex–Deputy Senate President, has long been recognised as one of the most outspoken voices in the National Assembly. His comments are likely to fuel further debate within both the PDP and the APC as permutations for 2027 continue to gather momentum.
Political observers say his stance underscores the increasing leverage of influential lawmakers in shaping alliances ahead of the next general elections, with party credibility and internal cohesion emerging as key factors in potential defections.
