Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has warned that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) risks destabilisation due to the influx of defecting opposition governors and federal lawmakers.

Speaking on Sunday night at the Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe Annual Award Lecture in Abuja, the Borno South Senator cautioned that many of the defectors “have no value to add” and could overwhelm the party.

“I have warned that the APC is becoming overloaded. And when you overload a ship—especially with mostly empty cargo—it risks capsizing,” Ndume said.

He stressed that while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) struggles as the opposition, defections to APC are not always beneficial:

“It’s like a church member switching denominations and instantly wanting to become the pastor in charge, or someone converting to Islam and insisting on becoming Imam. Naturally, this creates confusion in the political space.”

Ndume urged Nigerians to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that while the President is sincere, many appointees “lack the capacity” required for their roles.

“We must be united behind our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said. “One person cannot be the captain, player, goalkeeper and striker all at once.”

He reiterated past criticisms of the administration, describing it as “overloaded with kakistocrats and kleptocrats” who must be removed for progress to be made.

During the event, Dame Uche Azikiwe, wife of Nigeria’s first president, praised the organisers for preserving the legacy of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and called on today’s leaders to emulate the selflessness of First Republic statesmen such as Obafemi Awolowo and Sir Ahmadu Bello.

“Leaders of the First Republic were selfless—not like many leaders today who are focused on their pockets. I am always happy when people remember Zik and what he stood for,” she said.

DAILY POST notes that a wave of defections to APC has already included the governors of Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states.