Govs not forced to join APC – Party zonal chair
The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (South-East), Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has dismissed claims that state governors defecting to the ruling party are being coerced, induced, or threatened by the Federal Government.
Arodiogbu made this known while reacting to allegations by opposition figures, including the Peoples Democratic Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who accused the APC of using “undemocratic means, including blackmail and intimidation,” to lure governors and other political leaders.
Describing the claims as unfounded, Arodiogbu said no governor had been denied federal allocations or pressured to defect, stressing that all states, regardless of party affiliation, continue to receive their due entitlements.
“It is wrong to assume that anyone is joining the APC because of incentives or threats. What can you possibly give to a sitting governor? Is there any state not receiving its allocation because it’s not in our party? Nobody is being threatened or coerced,” he said.
He added that unlike the era of the PDP-led administration when Lagos State, under then-Governor Bola Tinubu, was allegedly denied federal allocation, the present government under the APC had ensured fairness and respect for all states.
According to Arodiogbu, the wave of defections to the APC reflects growing confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and the party’s performance.
“In migration studies, there are push and pull factors. The push factor is the discomfort in their party, while the pull factor is the attraction of ours. They are leaving because their parties have failed them. They could have gone anywhere, but they are choosing the APC because they see a future here,” he explained.
The APC zonal leader also commended the Progressive Governors Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, for strengthening unity within the party.
“Our party under Governor Uzodimma’s watch has recorded success in Edo and Ondo, and we are confident of victory in Bayelsa and other states. These are achievements we are proud of,” he added.
Arodiogbu advised opposition parties, particularly the PDP, to focus on internal reforms instead of blaming the APC for their challenges.
“If your house is uncomfortable, you don’t blame the neighbor whose house is in order,” he said.
