PRESIDENCY ACCUSED OF LURING OPPOSITION POLITICIANS WITH PROMISES OF TICKETS AND CONTRACTS
Insiders and political analysts have disclosed a growing pattern of opposition defections to the APC, driven largely by offers of automatic tickets and federal contracts ahead of the 2027 general elections. The ruling party, under President Tinubu’s strategic leadership, is reportedly leveraging government incentives to expand its political dominance.
While defectors publicly cite internal crises or ideological alignment, sources say many are lured by guarantees of governorship and legislative seats as well as access to state-funded contracts. This trend has already seen one sitting governor switch parties and several PDP leaders gravitate toward the APC.
Analysts fear this patronage-based realignment is undermining efforts to form a united opposition front capable of challenging the APC. Despite efforts by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to galvanize opposition unity through alternative platforms like the SDP, the momentum appears to favor the ruling party.
Critics warn that the defection wave could be less about national interest and more about political survival and financial gain, threatening democratic pluralism in Nigeria.
