Some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have asserted that the current defections of some non-political office holders into its fold are driven by the promise of election tickets by some influential members of the party.
Naija News learnt that while some public officials of the ruling party have their reelection tickets almost 100 per cent guaranteed, there is growing discontent among stakeholders in some states about the possibility of being dislodged from a party they said they had worked for several years to build.
Some party chieftains who spoke anonymously to Vanguard said the ruling party is interested in getting more defectors in Kano and Kaduna, and states considered very strategic in the South-South zone.
One of the party sources said opposition members are defecting over fear of being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) and what they want to get from the party.
The party source said, “There are two ways to look at this issue as a politician. People will defect for many reasons. Nobody is defecting because his friend is on the other side. Politicians will defect because of what they can get.
“Some have said it is due to fear of prosecution by anti-graft agencies, but I do not think that is true. Have you not seen the number of party chieftains being investigated and even being prosecuted by the EFCC?
“Somebody can be in the party for 10 years and yet the party has never won an election in his area. If a new member has the political capital and electoral value that can secure us victory in such areas, then why should we shy away from putting out our best foot forward?
‘’Yes, many of them have ambitions, but you know that where they are coming from, they could easily have got the same reelection tickets there. For us, we believe that those who are occupying public offices and are joining our party are doing that because of the good things they have seen the president doing for the nation.”
Another source said some of the defectors also want to remain relevant in the political landscape of their areas by being able to attract federal government projects to such areas.
Following the political bigwigs’ movement into the APC, the party chieftain expressed fears of a possible leadership crisis in some states.
The APC member said, “In international politics, experts would tell you that when you are not at the table, then you are on the menu. While that may not be a very fitting description of what is happening here, the truth is that there are things or projects you can only get for your people when you are close to the decision makers. Those who make decisions are not ghosts.
“They are not everywhere. But when you are close to them, you can divert their minds to certain areas and get some things done. That way, you remain politically relevant in your area, while also adding value to your party.
“There is a possibility of a leadership crisis in some states, but when we get to the bridge, we will cross it. Under President Bola Tinubu, the APC has a solid reward system. I believe something can be worked out by the national caucus in subsequent meetings before the general election.”
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