The National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ladipo Johnson, has condemned the recent spate of defections by governors and prominent politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the trend as “a shame and a pity.”
In an interview on Friday, Johnson questioned the motives behind the moves, suggesting they may not be driven by concerns for governance or national interest.
“I think the governors themselves know why they are gravitating towards the President or the APC.
“Some have moved from the PDP and other parties.
“I’m not convinced it has anything to do with good governance or the country. It is quite a shame and a pity,” he said.
Johnson, however, expressed confidence in the power of voters to shape election outcomes.
“At the end of the day, it is the people who will decide what happens.
Even if you have governors in all 36 states, other factors could still come into play.
It’s not over until it’s over. We are just entering an election year, with elections scheduled for next year,” he added.
The comments come amid numerous high-profile defections in 2025, involving governors and political figures formerly elected on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, as well as speculation about a possible defection by the NNPP’s only elected governor, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf.
Recent defections include Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his deputy, Monday Onyeme. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang is the latest to move from the PDP to the APC.
Meanwhile, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke resigned from the PDP and joined the Accord Party, receiving membership card 001 in a ceremony at the Government House in Jos.
The wave of defections has been most pronounced in the South-South region, affecting Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Cross River, and Edo states, although Cross River and Edo already have APC governors.
