Felix Morka: PDP Has Lost Its Functionality as a Political Party

Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has refuted claims that President Bola Tinubu is orchestrating the formation of a one-party state in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections. He argues that the influx of defectors into the APC is rooted in the internal disarray of the opposition rather than any coercive measures.

During an interview with ARISE News on Monday, Morka commented on the recent departures of governors and other key political figures into the APC, characterizing such movements as ordinary and democratic, asserting that these individuals are choosing to join freely.

He believes that this trend should be understood in the framework of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, which allows citizens the liberty to affiliate with any political party they prefer.

"I’m not quite certain why this discussion has escalated as it has," Morka stated. "If this conversation arose from some governors defecting to the APC, it is not an unprecedented event in our nation's history."

He referenced the period between 1999 and 2007 when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had a dominant presence across the states.

"During that time, the PDP had an overwhelming number of governors, demonstrating that such a concentration is not new in our democracy," he noted.

Morka firmly rejected assertions that President Tinubu or the APC were pressuring opposition governors to defect, stating that no substantial evidence has been provided to validate such claims.

"The governors who have joined the APC did so out of their own volition," he emphasized. "No one has offered a plausible rationale for the belief that the APC or Mr. President is employing any undue pressure on these governors."

He asserted that the reputational and financial influence of many defecting governors undermines the notion of inducement.

"How could you possibly pressure a governor such as the one from Delta State, one of the wealthiest states in the country? What kind of incentive could you offer?" Morka questioned.

He added that the more pertinent inquiry for Nigerians is why governors would leave parties that had previously enjoyed electoral victories.

"We must ask ourselves why a governor would choose to abandon a party that has consistently triumphed in elections," he remarked.

Morka attributed these defections to what he described as the ineptitude of the opposition, particularly the PDP.

"The PDP has become fundamentally dysfunctional," he stated. "It can no longer legitimately refer to itself as a political party because it fails to provide its members with a viable platform to pursue their political goals."

He suggested that the movement towards the APC should be regarded as an affirmation of the ruling party’s credibility.

"When individuals switch to the APC, it signifies their confidence in the party. They are making it clear that the APC can offer them what the PDP, Labour Party, and ADC cannot—and that is not our doing," he asserted.

Regarding accusations that the APC is profiting from the weakening of its opponents, Morka labeled such claims as "grossly misleading."

"To imply that this trend indicates a shift toward a one-party state ignores our historical context and the dynamics of a democratic system like Nigeria," he contended.

He supported the right of members from other political factions to openly endorse President Tinubu, stating that their citizenship rights are paramount.

"Every Nigerian has the freedom to support, engage with, or express political preferences that they desire," Morka affirmed. "Their citizenship and their right to express political opinions supersede those related to party affiliation."

He indicated that there is nothing improper or unconstitutional about politicians from different parties publicly aligning with the president.

"If any Nigerian associated with a political party expresses support for the president, there are no mechanisms to suppress that individual's rights," he added.

Morka credited President Tinubu’s governance approach for the increased attraction of the APC among governors, including those from opposition backgrounds.

"The president does not interfere in this matter," he pointed out. "The rising number of governors and others joining the APC is a result of the unique style of leadership this president embodies."

According to him, various governors have shared that Tinubu has engaged with them in an inclusive and non-partisan manner since taking office.

"Many have indicated that following the establishment of this administration, the president has approached them as if they were part of his party," Morka noted. "The president has been almost entirely non-discriminatory politically towards these governors."

He claimed that this has led many governors to feel assured of no hostility or isolation from the federal administration, contrary to prevalent opposition narratives.

"These governors have interacted with the president without political barriers," he explained. "Those joining the APC know quite well that no undue coercion is being applied, as such actions would be impossible."

Morka did not spare criticism for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing it of lacking original ideas and merely attacking the APC.

"The ADC has reduced its platform to solely criticizing the APC," he argued. "They mistakenly believe that this approach will secure them electoral success."

He maintained that the party had failed to present Nigerians with credible policy alternatives.

"The ADC has not put forth any innovative initiatives or different agendas than what the APC is currently advocating," he remarked.

Morka challenged the ADC to clarify its position on major policies like the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of exchange rates.

"Recently, they blamed the APC for the removal of the fuel subsidy and harmonization of the exchange rate, as well as for the rising poverty in Nigeria," he observed. "I challenge the ADC to declare whether, should they come to power, they would restore the fuel subsidy and revert to a dual exchange rate system."

He pointed out that while it's easy for opposition parties to criticize government actions, offering practical alternatives is far more challenging.

"Critiquing is simple; crafting viable solutions to Nigeria’s challenges is the difficult part," he concluded.