Growing APC Defections Raise Concerns Over Nigeria’s Federalism, Says Sam Amadi

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Political Analyst Warns Against Increasing Centralisation of Power

The rising number of governors aligning with the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked fresh debate about the future of Nigeria’s federal structure, with political economist Dr. Sam Amadi cautioning that the trend could have long-term consequences for governance and regional autonomy.

Speaking during a television interview, the Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought argued that the steady migration of state leaders toward the ruling party reflects deeper structural challenges within the country’s political and economic systems.

Why State Independence Matters

According to Sam Amadi, the concept behind Nigeria’s state system was designed to allow individual states to harness their unique resources and pursue development strategies suited to their local realities.

He explained that when political power becomes heavily concentrated around the party controlling the Federal Government, the original objective of empowering sub-national governments may gradually weaken.

Rather than encouraging healthy competition among states, excessive dependence on the political centre could reduce the ability of regions to drive independent growth and innovation.

Defections Highlight Broader Economic Questions

Beyond politics, Amadi believes the trend reveals unresolved economic issues facing the nation.

He suggested that the growing attraction toward the centre of power raises important questions about whether Nigeria has successfully created an economic framework capable of sustaining true federalism.

In his view, states should possess sufficient economic strength and institutional capacity to thrive without feeling compelled to align politically with the Federal Government for survival or influence.

Concerns Over a Return to Centralised Governance

The former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) noted that the increasing concentration of political influence around one dominant party may indicate a gradual shift away from the principles of decentralised governance.

He argued that while democratic institutions have evolved over the years, economic decentralisation has not advanced at the same pace. As a result, many states continue to rely heavily on the centre, creating conditions that encourage political realignment.

States Witnessing Political Realignments

Recent months have seen a number of states experience significant political shifts as governors and influential political figures moved toward the APC.

Among the states frequently mentioned in discussions surrounding these defections are:

Taraba State
Delta State
Akwa Ibom State
Rivers State
Bayelsa State
Enugu State
Plateau State
Kano State

The continued movement of political leaders into the ruling party has generated mixed reactions among political observers, with supporters viewing it as a sign of confidence in the APC and critics warning about the implications for political competition.

What This Means for Nigeria’s Democracy

Political analysts have long argued that a healthy federal system thrives when states possess both political and economic independence. The concerns raised by Sam Amadi therefore extend beyond party politics and touch on broader questions about governance, resource control, and democratic balance.

Gossip News Now recalls that debates surrounding federalism, state autonomy, and power distribution have remained central issues in Nigeria’s political development for decades.

Analysis

The warning from Sam Amadi arrives at a time when Nigeria’s political landscape is witnessing significant realignments ahead of future electoral contests. While defections are a common feature of democratic politics, the increasing concentration of governors within a single ruling party may intensify discussions about the strength of opposition politics and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s federal arrangement.

As more state leaders gravitate toward the centre of political power, the debate is likely to shift beyond party loyalty and focus increasingly on whether Nigeria’s economic and constitutional structures provide sufficient incentives for states to operate independently while contributing to national growth.