The Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has stated that he would only consider defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is willing to meet a number of strict conditions centred on governance reforms and policy changes.
Abaribe made this known on Monday during an appearance on Politics Today, a political programme aired on Channels Television. His comments come amid ongoing political realignments and speculation about possible defections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the senator, his primary condition for any potential move to the APC would be a comprehensive review and reversal of government policies that he believes have worsened the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians. He argued that many of the current policies are inflicting unnecessary hardship on citizens and must be urgently reconsidered.
Abaribe further stressed that President Tinubu must reduce the size of his administration, describing the current structure as bloated. He also called on the President to exercise firmer control over individuals within his inner circle, insisting that effective leadership requires discipline, accountability, and restraint at all levels of government.
Responding to a direct question on whether he would join the APC if personally approached by President Tinubu, the lawmaker said he would present his conditions clearly and leave the decision to the President.
“I would spell out my conditions, and it would then be up to him to decide whether he can meet them,” Abaribe said. “First, all policies that are punishing Nigerians must be reversed. Second, the government must be significantly downsized. Third, the President must rein in those around him. And there are many other issues we would raise.”
The senator emphasized that Nigeria operates a democratic system, not a monarchy, and that governance must reflect democratic values, inclusiveness, and respect for the will of the people.
He also reiterated his long-standing position that he has no immediate plans to leave his current political platform, suggesting that any defection to the APC would only occur under extraordinary circumstances.
“If there is anyone who would ever defect to the APC, I should be the very last,” Abaribe added. “By the time I do, it would mean that political parties have effectively ceased to exist in Nigeria.”
Abaribe’s remarks underscore ongoing tensions between the ruling party and opposition figures, as well as growing public debate over governance, economic policy, and political loyalty in the country.
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