Nwodo: No Logic Behind Governors’ Mass Exodus to APC

The prevailing wave of political defections in Nigeria has been met with sharp criticism from veteran statesman and former Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo. Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show this Monday, Nwodo challenged the rationale behind state governors deserting their original platforms for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to the elder statesman, the current socio-economic landscape and the internal structure of the APC offer no tangible justification for such a significant “drift” toward a one-party state.

Nwodo observed that the defecting leaders have struggled to provide Nigerians with a convincing rationale for their moves. He noted that the fascination with joining the central government’s party appears disconnected from performance metrics or ideological alignment. For the former governor, the mystery remains why governors would gravitate toward a party whose central government is currently grappling with severe economic and policy challenges that have left many citizens wondering about the efficacy of its leadership.

The core of Nwodo’s argument rests on the lack of visible “attraction” within the APC. He emphasized that in a healthy democracy, movement between parties should ideally be driven by a shared vision for better governance or superior policy execution. However, he lamented that the current trend seems to be motivated by “unexplained reasons” that fail to resonate with the general public or the constituents within the various states. While he acknowledged the inalienable right of these governors to move, he maintained that the silence on their true motives remains a point of deep concern for the electorate.

The conversation also shed light on the strategic positioning of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle. Nwodo revealed that the party is not interested in mere political posturing but is preparing to engage President Bola Tinubu and the APC on a platform of rigorous policy debate. The goal, he explained, is to contrast the current administration’s promises with the reality of their execution, providing a clear-eyed alternative for the Nigerian people to consider.

Central to this alternative is the personality and track record of Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State. Nwodo stated that the ADC is ready to put Obi’s proposed solutions side-by-side with the current administration’s performance. By doing so, the party hopes to offer a choice based on results and vision rather than the traditional allure of “belonging to the center.” This issue-based approach is intended to challenge the narrative that joining the ruling party is the only path to development for any region or state.

The elder statesman also touched on the geographical spread of these defections, noting that the trend is not exclusive to the Southeast but is a national phenomenon. He expressed worry that this mass movement toward a single party, without a foundation in ideology or performance, risks eroding the democratic competitive space. For Nwodo, a one-party state built on political convenience rather than public satisfaction is a dangerous path that could further alienate the government from the people.

Nwodo’s critique comes at a time when the Southeast region has been a focal point for political realignment. He reminded those in power that Southeast voters have historically voted according to their conscience, irrespective of the directions taken by their governors. This independent streak, he suggested, will likely be a defining factor in 2027, as citizens prioritize their survival and the quality of their lives over the political leanings of their state executives.

Ultimately, the former governor’s message was a call for political accountability and the restoration of ideological integrity in the nation’s governance. He urged Nigerians to look beyond the surface level of party switches and demand answers on how these moves benefit the common man. As the ADC prepares for a high-stakes engagement with the ruling party, Nwodo’s words serve as a reminder that the true test of a party’s worth is not in the number of governors it can attract, but in the prosperity and security it can deliver to the nation.