Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has raised alarm about the defection of PDP governors to the APC, claiming that it marks a shift toward authoritarianism in Nigeria.
In an interview with the Daily Sun, he indicated that he is not shocked by the multiple defections, and that Nigeria is steadily going toward dictatorship.
Muhammad-Baba added, “I am not surprised by the development, while it is only supposition. The Delta Governor has defected. However, two days ago, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal stated that he will continue to serve as a PDP governor. So let’s wait and see what happens.
“It’s not surprising.” We are going towards tyranny not only in the administration process, but also in the organization of political parties. Don’t forget that the PDP as a whole has been throttling since the 2023 elections. The party is fragmented, with some members aligning with the APC. Nyesom Wike, Minister of FCT, stated that while he is a PDP member, he identifies more with the APC than with its members.
Muhammad-Baba highlighted the mounting desperation for the 2027 elections, stating, “The administration is marshaling all resources at its disposal for the election. It is coercing or convincing governors and other political leaders to support the government, as well as some legislators to rejoin the APC in exchange for automatic tickets.”
He also highlighted that voters should decide the issue, but lamented, “If only they could have their way, which seems increasingly unlikely. So, personally, I’d say we should wait and see. What haven’t we seen before? It is happening now and may continue. It’s a tragic political development.
