By Yinka Giwa
The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday said it cannot prevent politicians from joining the ruling party if they freely choose to do so, dismissing suggestions that recent defections point to any form of coercion or an emerging one-party state.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Felix Morka, made the clarification while reacting to growing speculation over high-profile defections into the APC and rumours surrounding the 2027 presidential race.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Morka also debunked claims that President Bola Tinubu was planning to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate ahead of the next general election, stressing that such reports did not emanate from the party.
According to him, the APC is not currently engaged in discussions on the 2027 elections because the prohibition on political activities remains in force, making all conversations about presidential tickets and running mates premature and speculative.
“We have a serving president and a serving vice president,” Morka said, adding that the party had yet to activate its internal processes in line with the guidelines and regulations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He explained that when the time comes, decisions regarding the vice-presidential slot would be taken at the party level, noting that an endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term effectively extends to the sitting vice president.
Morka stressed that the rumours about a possible replacement of Shettima were driven by speculation in the media and not by any official APC position, adding that the party only issued clarifications to prevent Nigerians from being misled.
On the recent wave of defections, including that of the Kano State governor and other political heavyweights, the APC spokesman said the party remained open and welcoming, describing the movement as a reflection of confidence in President Tinubu’s administration.
“What you see are governors and politicians who have decided to join our party to identify with what we believe is a resurging Nigeria under this administration,” he said.
Morka maintained that the APC would not act as a gatekeeper to block willing entrants, insisting that preventing politicians from joining a party of their choice would be undemocratic.
He also dismissed fears that the defections could lead to a one-party state, recalling that Nigeria had previously experienced similar political dominance under the Peoples Democratic Party without undermining democratic practice.