The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
The accusation followed the recent defections of two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors to the APC.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri both dumped the PDP this week.
Mbah officially joined the APC during a high-profile event in Enugu on Tuesday, while Diri and his cabinet members switched allegiance in Yenagoa on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the defections as an act of cowardice and betrayal of the people.
Abdullahi said the governors abandoned their states at a critical time when Nigerians were suffering under the APC’s misrule.
“The defections of the Enugu and Bayelsa governors confirm our warning that President Tinubu is determined to impose a one-party system on Nigeria,” Abdullahi said.
“This move is not about ideology or public interest but pure self-preservation and fear.”
The ADC condemned the governors’ actions as “political apostasy,” saying they had chosen power over principle.
The party warned that the 2027 general elections would no longer be a regular contest but a battle between ordinary Nigerians and the APC-led government that has, according to them, “sent millions into poverty.”
The opposition party said Nigerians could clearly see the hardship caused by the current administration.
It listed insecurity, economic collapse, corruption, and poor healthcare as examples of APC’s alleged failures.
“Even those who once campaigned for the APC have now distanced themselves from it,” Abdullahi said.
“Food prices are rising, jobs are disappearing, and insecurity is choking the nation.
Instead of standing with the people, these governors joined the very party responsible for their pain.”
The ADC urged citizens to remain vigilant ahead of 2027.
“This is not just politics. It is about the survival of democracy.
Nigerians must decide whether to continue under a government that thrives on suffering or rise to defend their future,” the statement concluded.
The party maintained that it would continue to work with other opposition groups to resist what it called APC’s growing “authoritarian tendencies.”