By Mokobia Rita
ABUJA/Nigeria: A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Cletus Obun, has called on long-standing members of the ruling party to remain loyal and resist the temptation to defect, warning that growing internal rivalries and high-profile defections pose a serious threat to the party’s cohesion and future stability.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Obun acknowledged that the tensions currently rocking the APC were not entirely unexpected, attributing them to the party’s rapid expansion and increasing appeal to influential political figures, which, he said, has introduced new layers of competition and internal conflict.
He noted that the “robust entrance of bigwigs” into the party has significantly altered its internal dynamics, creating friction between founding members and newer entrants who now wield considerable influence. According to him, this shift has fuelled discontent among loyalists who feel sidelined despite their foundational contributions to the party’s rise.
Obun expressed concern over what he described as a subtle erosion of recognition for legacy members, stressing that many early builders of the APC now find themselves overshadowed by newer actors occupying strategic positions within the party hierarchy. He warned that if left unchecked, this imbalance could deepen divisions and weaken the party’s internal structure.
At the core of his intervention was a strong call for inclusivity. He urged the party leadership to take urgent and deliberate steps to ensure that all factions—both old and new—are fairly accommodated, emphasising that inclusivity must be reflected in concrete actions rather than mere rhetoric.
“The inclusive element in our political party must be taken urgently and immediately,” he said, underscoring the need for proactive leadership in managing internal dissent.
In a firm declaration of loyalty, Obun advised aggrieved members to remain within the APC and resolve their grievances internally, rather than seeking alternatives elsewhere. He maintained that the party’s strength lies in its ability to withstand internal disagreements without fragmenting.
He further warned that unresolved grievances could manifest as protest votes during elections, a development that could undermine the party’s electoral fortunes despite its numerical advantage. According to him, the real danger lies not only in defections but also in the silent rebellion of dissatisfied members at the ballot box.
Addressing the broader trend of political defections in Nigeria, Obun criticised what he described as opportunistic movements driven by personal ambition rather than ideological conviction. He cautioned politicians against becoming “political migrants,” advocating instead for loyalty, patience, and internal reform.
On concerns about perceived disparities in how the party treats defectors compared to long-standing members, Obun defended the APC’s approach, arguing that the party remains a progressive platform that prioritises value addition and capacity over mere affiliation.
He explained that the party’s openness to welcoming new members is part of a broader strategy to strengthen governance and expand its political reach, but stressed that such inclusivity must be balanced with fairness to avoid alienating loyal members.
Obun’s remarks come at a critical time as the APC continues to consolidate power while navigating internal realignments ahead of future electoral cycles.
Political observers say the party’s ability to harmonise competing interests will be decisive in shaping its future trajectory, noting that the tension between legacy loyalty and new influence represents a crucial test of its resilience as a governing institution.
For many within the APC, Obun’s intervention serves as both a warning and a rallying call, highlighting that political strength is not merely measured by numbers or defections, but by unity, trust, and the ability to manage diversity.
He concluded that the party’s future depends on its commitment to fairness, dialogue, and shared purpose, stressing that unity—not division—must remain the foundation upon which its continued relevance is built.
