From David Onuoja Abuja
The Former National Chairman Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), High Chief Peter Ameh, has warned the Governors defecting to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) that their defections would not guaranteed them victory in the 2027 election.
He made the disclosure recently in a statement he signed and made available to our correspondent in Abuja saying, it won’t be a work over for Enugu and Bayelsa State Governors or any other against the 2027 election.
According to him, “as someone who has closely observed Nigeria’s political evolution, I am not surprised by the defection of Enugu and Bayelsa State Governor’s and the alleged plan and speculation surrounding the defect of others to the APC. What surprises me, however, is how many of our political elites still believe that joining the ruling party is the only path to political survival and this is due to their refusal to genuinely work for the people.
“The hard truth is this: no defection can save a leader who has lost touch with his people. The 2023 elections marked a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic awakening. Across the country, voters defied intimidation and rejected political manipulation. One of the most striking examples was in Southern Kaduna Constituency, where an okada rider defeated established politicians to win a seat in the House of Representatives — a powerful message that Nigerians are now guided by conscience, not party labels.
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“The people of Enugu and Bayelsa state are no exception. Historically, these two states voters are politically sophisticated, well-informed, and deeply value performance over propaganda. The 2023 elections further proved this point. Despite both states being a traditional stronghold of the PDP, the Labour Party achieved massive support across Enugu State, simply because the people identified a credible alternative that resonated with their aspirations.
“This reality underscores one undeniable fact: Enugu or whether Bayelsa state voters cannot be intimidated or bought, and no amount of federal backing can change that.
“The Governor’s alleged move to the APC appears to be driven more by fear than faith — fear of losing influence, fear of accountability, and fear of facing the people’s verdict. If a leader is truly serving well and meeting the needs of his people, he should have no reason to run. After all, all political parties are equal before the law and protected under the same Constitution.
“Unfortunately, what we are witnessing is the growing tendency among some elitist politicians to fraternize with the powers that be because they don’t believe in the independence of the electoral commission to conduct a free, fair and credible election — so their interest is not to serve better, but to shield themselves from scrutiny and accountability.
“With APC, they feel “covered,” believing that proximity to federal power offers them immunity from public questioning and investigation. Otherwise, tell me: why should a sitting governor — the Chief Security Officer of his state — be running from his own party? A platform that gave him the platform against the candidate of APC that contested against him in the same election.
“The answer is simple: such defections are not about service, they are about self-preservation. These politicians are not seeking partnership with the people, but protection from them”, he said.
He further stated that, Genuine Political elected office holders should draw their confidence not from federal backing but from the trust and goodwill of his people — because he is working for them. He knows that his strength lies in their support, not in switching parties for convenience.
“If a Governor in Abia can stay rooted in his party and still deliver visible governance, why should Enugu and Bayelsa leaders believe that only by defecting to APC can he retain power? Leadership is about integrity, service, and courage — not alignment with those in control of Abuja.
“History has repeatedly shown that federal might cannot override the will of a politically awakened people. Even in 2015, when the then-ruling PDP commanded overwhelming power at the centre, it was defeated because Nigerians demanded change. The people’s will, once ignited, is stronger than any political structure.
“Using the same instruments of state — funded by taxpayers — to suppress or intimidate citizens only deepens public resentment. Nigerians are wiser now. They understand that many of these defections are not about ideology or governance but about political cover.
“2027 will not be determined by party logos or power blocs. It will be determined by performance, character, and the people’s confidence. Those running to the ruling party for safety will soon discover that the people they have ignored are the ones who truly hold power.”
