Wave Of Governors Joining APC Threatens Nigeria’s Federal Structure

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Dr. Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, has raised concerns over the increasing number of state governors defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), cautioning that the development could weaken Nigeria’s federal system.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, February 3, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) argued that the movement of governors toward the ruling party reflects deeper problems within the nation’s political and economic framework.

Amadi explained that the fundamental purpose of creating states in Nigeria was to allow sub-national governments to utilise their local resources effectively and drive independent development. He noted that aligning excessively with the party controlling the Federal Government undermines this principle.

He further questioned whether the growing political migration toward the centre suggests a gradual return to an over-centralised governance structure. According to him, the trend indicates that Nigeria has not fully developed a sustainable economic system capable of supporting true federalism.

The political economist maintained that while Nigeria may have recorded certain political advancements over the years, the country has struggled to build a strong economic foundation that supports genuine decentralisation and regional growth.

Amadi’s comments come against the backdrop of several high-profile defections by governors from opposition parties into the APC. States that have experienced such political shifts include Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Enugu, Kano, Plateau, and most recently, Taraba.