Abuja — The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has cautioned that the recent defection of the governors of Enugu and Bayelsa states to the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not guarantee victory for the ruling party in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, CUPP’s General Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, said the wave of defections by opposition figures into the APC reflects a misunderstanding of Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. He noted that power ultimately resides with the people, who will determine the nation’s direction come 2027.
“As someone who has closely observed Nigeria’s political evolution, I am not surprised by the defection of the Enugu and Bayelsa governors, nor by the speculation that others may follow,” Ameh said. “What surprises me is how many political elites still believe that joining the ruling party is the only path to political survival. This mindset stems from their failure to genuinely serve the people.”
He stressed that no amount of political realignment could rescue any leader disconnected from the electorate. According to him, the 2023 elections marked a turning point in Nigeria’s democracy, as voters across the country defied intimidation and rejected political manipulation.
“One of the most striking examples was in Southern Kaduna Constituency, where an Okada rider defeated seasoned politicians to win a seat in the House of Representatives — a powerful message that Nigerians are now guided by conscience, not party labels,” Ameh stated.
He added that the growing discontent among citizens, fuelled by opportunistic defections and political manoeuvring, suggests that the 2027 general elections will be one of Nigeria’s fiercest contests yet — one where the will of the people, not political affiliations, will prevail.
