By Muhammad Mamman
Director of Administration at The Progressive Institute, Professor Ademola Abbas, has said the recent wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is unsurprising, attributing it to President Bola Tinubu’s bold and reform-driven leadership.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, Abbas described Tinubu as a courageous leader making tough but necessary policy decisions that are attracting politicians across party lines.
“Whether you like him or not, he has shown courage. These are decisions that less committed leaders wouldn’t dare to take,” Abbas said.
He stressed that the president’s reforms have shown political will often lacking in Nigerian leadership.
“I’m not saying he’s an angel—there are no angels among men—but he has proven to be bold and decisive. That’s what Nigeria needs today,” he added.
Commenting on the recent defections, including those of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and former Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri, Abbas said political realignments are a natural part of Nigerian politics.
“Many politicians cross party lines when they believe in a leader’s vision. That’s not strange. Don’t be surprised if more governors join the APC,” he noted.
He argued that true leadership places national interest above party loyalty.
“If you see a leader who you believe can build the country—even if you’re not in his party—why wouldn’t you support him?”
Abbas also took aim at critics of Tinubu’s economic reforms, accusing some of benefiting from the country’s past fiscal irresponsibility.
“At one point, we were importing toothpicks and hoarding dollars. Many of those shouting now are the same people who wrecked this country,” he said.
On concerns over Nigeria becoming a de facto one-party state, Abbas pointed out that the Constitution does not prohibit such an outcome.
“The Constitution doesn’t forbid a one-party state. The only relevant provision is Section 68(1)(g), which implies the existence of more than one party—but it doesn’t ban a dominant ruling party.”
The latest wave of defections has further weakened the opposition, with analysts suggesting the APC is positioning itself strongly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
