Hon. Obi Aguocha-MHR, the lawmaker for Abia State’s Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South Federal Constituencies, has issued a dire warning about the growing number of opposition party defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), characterizing it as a serious threat to the nation’s democratic health.
Hon. Aguocha warned that Nigeria’s multiparty democracy was “under siege” from a creeping one-party dominance in the legislature, expressing profound concern about the rate and volume of defections, especially from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in an open live interview on Arise TV.
“The rate at which lawmakers, particularly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are crossing over to the APC is alarming,” he said.
“It weakens the opposition’s ability to influence or block critical bills, leaving the legislative process vulnerable to domination by a single political force.”
“If the Senate loses just four more opposition members, the APC will have absolute control and can push through any legislation they desire without opposition,” he noted, emphasizing that democracy thrives on dissent and balance, not monopoly.
“This situation is dangerous for the future of our democracy,” Aguocha cautioned.
“A legislature without meaningful opposition is a rubber stamp, not a representative body.”
“I believe the members of the National Assembly, both in the Senate and the House of Representatives, are objective people. If push comes to shove, they will stand in defense of the Constitution,” he affirmed.
A wide range of political reactions have been sparked by his remarks in Nigeria. Some political observers contend that defections are a result of weak party ideologies and internal strife within opposition parties, while others share Aguocha’s concerns and call for more robust institutional safeguards to preserve the multiparty system.
Additionally, civil society organizations have voiced their support for electoral reforms that would place more stringent requirements on elected officials’ ability to move parties.
Hon. Aguocha’s warning has heightened a national dialogue on the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the necessity for legal reforms to protect political diversity as the country approaches the general elections in 2027.
Nigeria’s National Assembly’s ability to endure the strains of partisan realignment and maintain its representativeness is anticipated to be determined in the upcoming months.
Live with Purpose, Love with Passion. Remember to be happy
“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
