‘Why APC Should Be Worried’ — APGA Founder Sounds Alarm Over Rising Defection

A chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Chekwas Okorie, has warned that the growing wave of defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should not be seen as a victory but rather a reason for concern.

Okorie said the development should worry both the APC leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the trend reflects deeper political tensions within the country’s democratic space.

Speaking during an interview in Abuja on Wednesday, the APGA founding chairman questioned why the ruling party appeared anxious despite its strong grip on power across the country.

He pointed out that the APC already holds a commanding majority in the National Assembly and controls a large number of state governments.

“I’m more worried about the ruling party and its leaders displaying acts of panic in spite of their incumbency, overwhelming majority in the National Assembly, and control of 31 out of 36 state governments. How else can any reasonable person interpret the political dynamics in some states?” he said.

Okorie argued that a confident ruling party would focus on governance rather than celebrating political defections. According to him, the rush of politicians into the APC could signal fear and uncertainty within the political system rather than genuine ideological alignment.

He also expressed concern about the shrinking space for opposition politics in the country. The APGA chieftain noted that several opposition parties are currently struggling to operate freely in some states.

Okorie stressed that democracy thrives when all political actors are allowed to compete on equal footing. He warned that attempts to weaken opposition parties could create deeper frustration among Nigerians.

He explained that many citizens are already dissatisfied with the political climate but are still expressing their concerns through peaceful democratic means.

“Our democracy is at stake, and it is important that all parties are allowed to participate in the process freely,” he said.

Okorie further cautioned that suppressing opposition voices could push political tension to dangerous levels. According to him, leaders must protect democratic institutions to prevent avoidable instability.

The APGA founder added that Nigeria’s political environment must remain open and competitive if the country hopes to sustain democratic growth.