Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Legal Adviser, Jacob Mark, has attributed the rising defections of politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to widespread concerns that the 2027 general elections may not be free and fair.

Mark criticized political elites for abandoning their party allegiances for personal gain, noting that many are leaving the PDP not because they support APC policies, but because they fear election results may be manipulated in favor of the ruling party. He warned that such behavior undermines democracy and the interests of ordinary Nigerians.

Speaking on recent consultations by the PDP leadership with former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mark emphasized the importance of political guidance from respected figures and condemned the pursuit of elections over governance. He highlighted the economic hardships and insecurity facing citizens, contrasting it with the self-interest of elites.

Mark argued that true democracy requires protecting voters’ rights and allowing opposition parties to operate freely. He called on Nigerians to resist elite-driven political opportunism and stressed that a capable candidate could still enable the PDP to reclaim relevance in 2027, provided political issues are resolved through dialogue rather than court battles or coercion.