A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has urged opposition parties to stop holding President Bola Tinubu responsible for the recent wave of defections to the ruling party.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday in Osogbo, Oyintiloye — a former member of the now-defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) — stated that political realignments are a familiar aspect of Nigeria’s democratic system and should not be seen as a result of presidential pressure or interference.
He attributed the defections to internal conflicts and weak democratic structures within opposition parties.
“Many of those defecting have cited being sidelined, undermined, or unfairly treated in their former parties,” he said.
“They are simply moving to a party they believe offers a sustainable transformation agenda.”
He added that recent defections are ideologically driven and not the result of inducements or pressure as suggested in some quarters.
Oyintiloye argued that the growing number of opposition politicians joining the APC is a reflection of confidence in the Tinubu administration’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.
“This season of political recalibration shows that APC is viewed as a serious platform capable of transforming the country,” he added.
The former federal lawmaker predicted that more opposition members, especially from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), would join the ruling party in the months ahead.
“Blaming the president is a distraction. What the opposition needs is a robust internal structure that promotes transparent primaries, inclusive decision-making, and tolerance for dissent,” he said.
Oyintiloye also dismissed concerns that the gale of defections could lead to a one-party state.
“With over 60 registered political parties in the country, it is misleading to suggest that defections into the APC will erode democratic plurality,” he added.
“Democracy thrives when all parties are strong, not when they collapse from within.”
He cautioned the APC against complacency, saying the ruling party must also prioritise internal democracy and ensure that loyal members are not displaced by new entrants.
“While we welcome defectors, they should not be allowed to override those who have laboured for the party. If not carefully managed, this influx could trigger internal conflict,” he said.