In the ever-evolving theatre of Nigerian politics, a dramatic confrontation is unfolding between the country’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and an increasingly outspoken opposition. Recent developments have thrown into sharp relief deep tensions over political defections, allegations of institutional weaponisation, and the broader fight for Nigeria’s democratic soul. At the heart of this unfolding drama are narratives — and counter-narratives — that threaten to redefine the 2027 electoral contest and shape the nation’s future governance.
Over the weekend, a significant cluster of opposition figures convened public demonstrations and issued statements accusing the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of undermining Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and weaponising federal institutions to suppress dissent. According to the Presidency, however, these allegations are symptomatic of a political class struggling to stay relevant and “engaging in subterfuge and an empty search for scapegoats.”
This blog post unpacks the key issues at play: the defection wave to the APC, the debate over anti-corruption enforcement, the role of institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the wider implications for Nigerian democracy.
1. A Surge of Defections — Democracy or Opportunism?
One of the most striking trends in Nigeria’s political terrain in 2025 has been the rapid exodus of politicians from opposition parties — notably the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and smaller formations — into the ruling APC.
Reports indicate that dozen of lawmakers and several key political figures have crossed the floor to join the APC, creating what many see as a re-alignment of political power structures. For example, in Akwa Ibom State, an astonishing 24 out of 26 lawmakers defected to the APC, while at the federal level, senators such as Francis Fadahunsi, Olubiyi Fadeyi, Aniekan Bassey, and Sampson Ekong switched allegiance, boosting the APC’s legislative dominance.
Some observers point out that such movements are not inherently undemocratic; in fact, the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the freedom to associate and realign their political affiliations at will. In response to the opposition’s claims, the Presidency emphasised that these defections are voluntary and driven by perceived confidence in President Tinubu’s ongoing reform programme, not coercion.
However, detractors argue that the scale and timing of defections — particularly in the run-up to the 2027 general election — suggest a deeper political strategy to weaken opposition capacity and consolidate power within a single dominant party. Critics warn that if left unchecked, this could stifle the political alternatives that are crucial to a healthy democracy.
2. EFCC, Anti-Corruption and the Politics of Accountability
Perhaps the most explosive point of contention in recent days has been the role of anti-corruption agencies — especially the EFCC — in investigating high-profile figures.
Opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have claimed that the EFCC is being weaponised as a political tool to intimidate and silence critics of the current administration. Atiku alleged that the detention of former Sokoto State Governor and serving Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal over alleged fraud amounted to a deliberate attempt to fracture opposition forces and coerce leaders into abandoning their political platforms.
These assertions were amplified by civil society voices such as the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), which described the EFCC’s actions as politically driven and aimed at weakening opposition prior to the elections.
In defence, the Presidency categorically rejected claims that the anti-corruption fight had been turned into a witch-hunt. Presidential spokespersons reiterated that President Tinubu does not instruct anti-graft agencies on who to investigate or prosecute, and highlighted that Nigeria’s legal framework ensures institutional independence.
The EFCC itself has publicly reaffirmed its non-partisan mandate. Leadership within the commission has stressed that its investigations target financial crime irrespective of political affiliation, and that it pursues cases based on evidence and legal judgment rather than political considerations.
This battle over perception reveals a deeper fault line: whether anti-corruption efforts are truly impartial or being perceived as tools of political leverage.
3. Institutional Integrity vs. Political Narrative
The dispute over the EFCC’s role highlights a broader question about institutional resilience in Nigeria.
Advocates for strong accountability mechanisms argue that anti-corruption institutions are essential for transparency and good governance — especially as the country strives to cement economic and political reforms. Supporters also point to milestones such as Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list earlier in 2025, which was widely celebrated as a major achievement in the fight against money laundering and financial crime.
Yet for some opposition actors and their supporters, these successes are overshadowed by a climate of political antagonism. They claim that selective enforcement and high-profile investigations against political opponents undermine confidence in the rule of law.
Adding to this narrative are allegations from opposition figures that security forces and party affiliates are being used to disrupt political meetings and civic activities — a claim exemplified by accusations that APC supporters and security personnel interfered with African Democratic Congress (ADC) events.
This tug-of-war over Nigeria’s democratic institutions reveals not just partisan conflict, but a deeper struggle over the legitimacy and independence of the country’s checks and balances.
4. The Danger of Hyperpolarisation
At the core of these tensions is a broader concern: hyperpolarisation. When political contestation slips into zero-sum narratives — where any check on power is portrayed as existential — democratic discourse risks breaking down.
For opposition leaders like Tambuwal and Atiku, framing the anti-corruption fight as politically biased serves to mobilise support against the ruling party. Meanwhile, the APC and the Presidency see such rhetoric as excuses for declining political fortunes, masking weakness in policy and ideas.
What is clear is that both sides are crafting narratives designed to appeal to different segments of Nigeria’s electorate. For the ruling party, the argument is that reforms and strong action against corruption signal responsible governance. For the opposition, portraying institutions as being ‘captured’ by a ruling elite taps into legitimate fears about accountability and political fairness.
5. Looking Ahead to 2027: Stakes and Implications
As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, the stakes could hardly be higher. The political discourse of today — marked by defections, debates over the independence of anti-corruption agencies, and competing interpretations of democratic norms — will shape voter perceptions and party strategies.
For democracy to flourish, it is imperative that:
Institutions remain robust and independent, resisting both misuse and unfounded accusations that might erode public trust.
Political parties focus on policy and governance outcomes, rather than purely rhetorical battles that deepen divisions.
Citizens critically engage with information, pushing back against narratives that oversimplify complex political realities.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s democratic future does not depend solely on who is in power — but on the integrity of its processes, the strength of its institutions, and the maturity of its political culture.
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