TCN reports that the Nigerian political space in the year 2024 witnessed a series of dramas with the initiation of merger discussions among opposition parties in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.

The year also witnessed the defection of key political figures to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which was pivotal in shaping the year’s events.

As is often observed in Nigerian politics, the aftermath of the 2023 general elections saw a notable increase in defections, which analysts have interpreted as a realignment of political interests and alliances.

Throughout the past year, many defectors expressed their belief that the APC represents the sole platform dedicated to tackling the myriad challenges facing the nation.

According to Weekend Trust, the practice of politicians switching parties has become a customary aspect of Nigeria’s political environment. Analysts suggest that these defections are motivated by a variety of factors.

Among the prominent politicians who have joined the ruling party over the course of the year are:

Anyim Pius Anyim

The former President of the Nigerian Senate, Pius Anyim, who secured a victory in the July 2024 election representing the PDP, has now defected to the ruling APC.

At the State House in Abuja, he was introduced to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where he informed journalists that his decision to switch parties was motivated by the necessity of working together to tackle the numerous challenges facing the nation.

He was accompanied to the Presidential Villa by Hope Uzodinma, the governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, along with other notable APC leaders.

Emeka Ihedioha

A former governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, who held office from May 29, 2019, to January 14, 2020, subsequently left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Ihedioha, who previously served as the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, communicated his departure from the PDP through a letter directed to the chairperson of the party in his Mbutu Ward, located in the Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area. This letter was dated April 23, 2024.

In his correspondence, Ihedioha articulated that he had made significant contributions to the advancement of the PDP since its inception in 1998.

Daniel Bwala

The previous PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation spokesperson, Daniel Bwala, also transitioned to the APC within the year, expressing his dedication to supporting President Tinubu without any regrets.

Bwala noted his admiration for President Tinubu’s proactive approach to addressing various issues, including the management of governance costs. He emphasized that he has consistently aligned himself with Tinubu and intends to maintain his support.

On November 14, President Tinubu sanctioned the appointment of Bwala as his Special Adviser for Media and Public Communications at the State House.

This information was conveyed in a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

Ramalan Yero

He is a former governor of Kaduna State. Who joined the APC, five months after leaving the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The former governor, who served the Kaduna people from 2012 to 2015 on the platform of the PDP, joined the APC on February 12, 2024.

Giving reasons for his defection, Yero said, “Since the very day we announced our defection from the PDP, many political parties contacted us, including the ruling APC. We met and discussed the matter. Therefore, from today, February 12, 2024, myself and representatives of other political associates have decided to join the APC.”

Sylvanus Nguji Ngele

Ngele was a former PDP National Working Committee (NWC) member and served as a senator representing Ebonyi North in the National Assembly under the PDP banner.

However, in May 2024, he left the party, joining other notable leaders from Ebonyi State, including a former representative of the Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency and a previous gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 general elections, Hon. Sylvester Ogbaga.

Ngele and his associates were welcomed into the APC during a ceremony held in Abakaliki.

During the event, Ngele expressed that their primary motivation for leaving the PDP was its failure to nominate a governor from the Izzi clan, a goal that the APC successfully accomplished, adhering to the established charter of equity in Ebonyi State.

Senator Ezenwo Onyewuchi

The senator representing Imo East on the Labour Party (LP) platform, Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi, equally dumped his party for the ruling APC. Senator Onyewuchi’s defection letter was read on the floor of the red chamber by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.

The Imo senator based his communication on Section 68(1g) of the constitution.

LP, PDP Lawmakers Defect To APC

On December 4, 2024, four representatives from the Labour Party (LP) and one from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) transitioned to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The individuals involved are Tochukwu Okere from Imo State, Donatus Mathew from Kaduna, Bassey Akiba from Cross River, Iyawu Esosa from Edo, and Erthiatake Ibori-Suenu from Delta, who previously belonged to the PDP.

In October 2024, the APC secured an additional seat in the House of Representatives due to the defection of Abubakar Gumi from the PDP.

Additionally, Salman Idris, a representative from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), also defected to the APC, representing the Kabba Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, announced their letters of defection during a plenary session.