April 4 2026

A senior figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Farouk Aliyu, has defended the ruling party’s recent wave of defections from opposition ranks, insisting that the strategy is not aimed at establishing a one-party system but rather a calculated political response to earlier actions by rival parties.

Aliyu made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television, where he addressed growing concerns about the increasing number of opposition politicians joining the APC.

According to him, the development should be viewed within the context of Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, rather than as an attempt to stifle democratic competition.

He argued that what is currently being witnessed is a continuation of a pattern that began with opposition parties allegedly targeting and recruiting influential members from the APC.

Aliyu pointed to several high-profile figures who, he claimed, had previously been drawn away from the ruling party, describing the situation as a form of political “poaching.”

Citing examples, he referenced prominent politicians such as Nasir El-Rufai, Abubakar Malami, and Rotimi Amaechi, noting that their movement away from the APC had prompted the party to rethink its approach.

In response, he said, the ruling party adopted a similar strategy by attracting key figures from opposition strongholds, framing the move as a deliberate and tactical decision.

Aliyu explained that the APC’s actions were guided by political necessity rather than any intention to dominate the system.

He emphasized that politics often involves strategic maneuvering and alliances, and that parties must adapt to remain competitive.

Beyond defending the party’s approach, Aliyu also expressed concern about the weakening state of opposition parties.

Drawing from his own political journey as a former opposition member, he reflected on the role opposition groups once played in challenging the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and reshaping Nigeria’s political order.

He suggested that the current situation, where opposition figures are increasingly defecting to the APC, raises questions about the strength and cohesion of rival parties.

However, he maintained that individuals who choose to switch allegiance do so voluntarily, and that the APC cannot be faulted for accepting them.

Naija news channel