Okorie warns APC should be concerned about rising defections

2026-03-11 - 15:07

By John Alechenu, Abuja Chief Chekwas Okorie, founding National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has said that President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should be concerned about defections into the party rather than celebrating them. Speaking in an interview with Vanguard in Abuja on Wednesday, Okorie expressed worry over what he described as a sense of panic within the APC, despite its controlling majority in the National Assembly and the party’s 31 governors. He said, “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?” Okorie noted that the challenges facing opposition parties reflect this climate, emphasizing the need for a democratic space where all political actors can operate freely. He added that voter frustration is building, but Nigerians are currently channeling it through peaceful political engagement. He warned that restricting the operations of opposition parties could heighten public frustration and create security challenges, urging political leaders to ensure the democratic process remains inclusive. “Our democracy is at stake, and it is important that all parties are allowed to participate in the process freely,” he said.