Defecting governors' 'close to centre' excuse 'totally unacceptable' – Prof Kila
Prof Anthony Kila, Director of Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies, has slammed state governors defecting to the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 elections, calling their 'wanting to be close to the centre' excuse "totally unacceptable and nonsense." Speaking on Arise Television's Morning Show on Wednesday, Kila argued that governors who previously opposed President Tinubu but now join APC lack character, vision, and leadership stamina.
Kila questioned the timing and sincerity of these defections, noting: "You cannot say for you to rule your state very well, you have to be part of the centre." He dismissed the APC's open presidential ticket declaration as "a farce intended to placate people" and predicted that uncomfortable governors will not leave APC once they realize automatic ticket assurances aren't guaranteed.
The professor's critique highlights the ongoing political realignment ahead of 2027, with multiple reports mentioning defections from PDP, ADC, and other opposition parties to APC. This trend reflects Nigeria's recurring pattern where political figures switch allegiances based on perceived proximity to power rather than ideological conviction.
Is political alignment about genuine conviction or strategic positioning for access to resources and patronage? Should governors prioritize state governance over national political maneuvering?