Opposition parties in the country have been urged to look inward and fix their own internal troubles instead of holding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu responsible for the increasing number of defections from their ranks.
This was stated by Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, during a media briefing in Osogbo on Sunday.
Oyintiloye, who once represented the Obokun State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, noted that recent defections from opposition parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stemmed from unresolved disputes and undemocratic practices within their structures.
He said these defections are likely to continue unless those parties carry out serious internal reforms. “So many defectors claimed that they were sidelined, undermined, unfairly treated by their former parties, leaving them with no option but to switch to a party with an agenda for transformation,” he said.
According to Oyintiloye, the shift toward the ruling APC is a reflection of its alignment with progressive ideals and the appeal of President Tinubu’s governance style. He stated that the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the administration has drawn support due to its clear focus on development and reform.
He added, “This season of political recalibration that is leading to a growing number of Nigerian politicians defecting en masse to the ruling All Progressives Congress is an indication that the party has shown encouraging signs of being capable of transforming the country.”
He also pushed back against claims that the rising wave of defections could create a one-party system in Nigeria. “How can the wave of defections to the ruling party lead to a party system when we still have more than 60 registered political parties in the country?” he asked.
Oyintiloye urged opposition leaders to work on creating space for internal dialogue, holding transparent primaries, and adopting inclusive decision-making processes. He noted that if opposition parties do not correct these issues, they will continue to lose members.
On the side of the APC, he stressed the importance of managing the influx of new members. He warned that existing loyal members should not be displaced by defectors. “The APC must strengthen its own internal democracy to avoid internal friction and protect those who have worked hard for the party over the years,” he said.
