The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, has said she does not understand the reasons behind the growing wave of defections by opposition politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, insisting that the trend does not signal the collapse of opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Usman made the remarks while reacting to recent defections from opposition parties, including the Labour Party, to the APC. She argued that the dominance of the ruling party, particularly the fact that many state governors now belong to the APC, does not automatically render opposition parties irrelevant.
According to her, she could not identify any specific motivation driving politicians to defect to the ruling party, despite widespread speculation.
“You asked me what I think is making them flock to the APC. Honestly, I don’t know what is making them flock to the APC,” she said.
She added that various narratives were circulating in the public space, including claims that politicians believe joining the APC offers political protection.
“We hear a lot of stories. Some people say if you join the APC, your sins are forgiven. It could be that. I don’t know,” Usman stated.
When asked whether the Labour Party has the strength to field a strong presidential candidate capable of challenging the APC in 2027, Usman declined to give a definitive response. She said discussions on candidacy and party strategy would be taken at the appropriate time.
She maintained that decisions on whether to field a candidate, and how such a candidate would emerge, cannot be made by an individual but through collective party processes.
Usman concluded by stressing that despite defections, opposition parties would continue to play a critical role in Nigeria’s democratic process and remain competitive in the 2027 elections.
