Recent Defections To APC, Evidence Of Confidence In Tinubu’s Leadership, Hon. Ogunbanwo
•By Admin
IBADAN – A member representing the Ijebu Central Federal Constituency, Ogun state, in the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Ogunbanwo, has said that the wave of defections by governors from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is a reflection of growing confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and reform agenda.
Speaking as a guest on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogunbanwo explained that political parties operate like associations, bound by shared ideals and objectives, but with the freedom for members to leave when those ideals appear compromised. He emphasized that loyalty to a party should not come at the expense of personal conviction or progress.
“Political party is just like an association, and there are purposes for being a member. When you see that the organisation is losing focus and the ideals are no longer being fulfilled, you have the right to move. There is the right of ingress and egress,” he said. “No one should be compelled to remain in a party that no longer represents their vision or the interest of the people they serve.
“The defections are a sign that people have confidence in this administration’s direction. The more, the merrier. The APC is big enough to accommodate everyone, and we have structures to manage internal tensions,” he said, dismissing fears that Nigeria was drifting toward a one-party state.
Ogunbanwo pointed to the deepening internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a major factor driving the current wave of defections. Referring to the recent courtroom disagreement between the party’s national chairman and legal adviser over who should nominate legal counsel, he described the incident as a reflection of chaos and disunity. “If you look at what happened where the national chairman and the legal adviser were arguing on who should nominate counsel, you’ll know that this party is in crisis and beyond redemption. If you’re a member, you’ll think twice before staying,” he said.
He noted that the defection of several governors, including those already serving their second terms, reflects a conscious decision based on trust in the current administration’s leadership. “Those decamping have their reasons. They’ve said it clearly, the President has made more money available to states, and the reforms he has embarked upon are yielding positive results,” Ogunbanwo stated.
Commending President Bola Tinubu’s courage in implementing difficult economic and structural reforms, he added that many Nigerians, including members of the ruling party, initially doubted the outcome. “We are not talking of a military ruler. He was bold enough to embark on these reforms. Many of us didn’t think the outcome would be favourable, but the signs are becoming clear that his policies are restoring confidence and stability,” he concluded.