By Emamuzo Iboma
Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has voiced concerns about PDP governors switching to the APC, claiming it is evidence of Nigeria’s shift toward totalitarianism.
In an interview with the Daily Sun, he discussed the PDP governors’ defection wave and stated, “I am not really surprised about the development, though of course it is at the level of speculation.” The governor of Delta has defected. However, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal told us two days ago that he is still a PDP governor. So, let’s wait to see what happens.
“Secondly, it is surprising that we are moving towards totalitarianism not only in theory but also in the structure of political parties,” he added. The PDP has been suppressing the party since the 2023 election, so keep that in mind. There is division within the party. The APC is the affiliation of some party members. For instance, despite claiming to be a member of the PDP, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, obviously identifies more with the APC than with its members.
Additionally, there is a sense of urgency for the elections in 2027. In preparation for the election, the government is using every resource at its disposal. It is coercing or persuading governors and other political leaders to support the government, as well as some legislators to return to the APC under the promise of automatic tickets.
In conclusion he said, “But, it is the voters that will decide what will happen if only they will be allowed to have their way, which is increasingly looking remote. So, personally, I will say let us wait and see. What have we not seen before? It is happening now, and it may continue. It is a sad political development,”
