We Will Not Screen Out Those Who Wish to Join APC – Felix Morka

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reaffirmed its readiness to welcome new political entrants amid a steady increase in governors and political actors aligning with the ruling party. Party officials say the growing influx reflects confidence in the country’s current political direction rather than any attempt to weaken democratic competition.

Speaking during a televised interview, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka portrayed the recent defections as evidence that Nigeria’s political environment is undergoing a natural realignment driven by policy performance and leadership perception.

Party Rejects “Gatekeeping” Politics

Morka explained that the APC has deliberately chosen an open membership approach, insisting that political participation should remain accessible to all interested individuals. According to him, preventing politicians from joining a party would contradict democratic principles built on freedom of association.

Reframing his remarks, he suggested that parties should function as platforms for inclusion rather than exclusive clubs that determine who qualifies to participate in national politics.

He noted that leaders choosing to identify with the APC are responding to what he described as a renewed national outlook shaped by the current administration’s policies.

Defections Seen As Confidence Vote

Rather than viewing the movement of governors as unusual, Morka characterised it as a political endorsement of ongoing governance initiatives. He argued that elected officials naturally gravitate toward platforms they believe offer stability, direction, and electoral viability.

In his view, the increasing number of high-profile entrants signals broader acceptance of federal leadership priorities and reform efforts.

Addressing One-Party State Concerns

Responding to criticisms that the surge of defections could lead to political dominance by a single party, the APC spokesman dismissed fears of democratic erosion. He pointed out that Nigerian political history has previously witnessed periods when one party controlled a majority of states without eliminating opposition voices.

Drawing from past experiences, he argued that political strength measured by the number of governors does not automatically translate into authoritarian control or reduced democratic space.

Key Positions Highlighted By APC Leadership

The party’s stance can be summarised through several core ideas:

Membership of political parties should remain open and voluntary.
Defections represent political choice rather than systemic pressure.
Historical precedent shows that dominance by one party does not equal democratic collapse.
Political competition remains determined by voters at the ballot box.

Commentary & Political Analysis

Morka’s comments come at a time when Nigeria’s political landscape is witnessing significant repositioning ahead of future elections. Analysts observe that ruling parties often attract defectors seeking strategic alignment, access to political networks, or ideological compatibility.

The APC’s decision to emphasise openness reflects an effort to frame defections as democratic participation rather than consolidation of power. However, critics argue that large-scale migration toward one party inevitably reshapes opposition strength, raising legitimate questions about political balance.

Ultimately, Nigerian democracy has historically remained fluid, with alliances constantly shifting in response to performance, public perception, and electoral calculations. Whether the current trend signals lasting dominance or merely another phase of political reconfiguration will become clearer as electoral contests approach.