Okorie Says Fear Of EFCC Is Driving Opposition Deflections To APC

Founding National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Chekwas Okorie, has said that many opposition politicians defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are doing so out of fear of being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after leaving office.

In an interview with Vanguard, Okorie said most governors crossing over to the ruling party are seeking protection once their constitutional immunity expires.

“Many of them have compromised their offices and committed crimes using their privileged positions,” he said. “They run to the APC because they believe it will shield them from the EFCC after their tenure ends.”

He described the defections as a major setback for Nigeria’s democracy, blaming the National Assembly for failing to make laws that automatically declare the seat of any defector vacant. “If such a law existed, politicians would think twice before switching parties,” he said.

Speaking on the new INEC chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, Okorie said the appointee faces a tough task in restoring public trust in the electoral system. He noted that Amupitan, though qualified, is relatively unknown compared to former chairmen like Attahiru Jega and Mahmood Yakubu.

“The credibility of INEC is at its lowest since the 2023 election,” he said. “Amupitan must show Nigerians through action, not just words, that elections will be credible.”

He suggested that the upcoming Anambra governorship election should serve as a test of Amupitan’s leadership, especially in boosting voter confidence and turnout.

On the idea of Nigeria becoming a one-party state, Okorie dismissed the possibility, saying the country’s ethnic and cultural diversity makes such an outcome impossible. “Nigeria is too diverse to be confined to a one-party system,” he said. “Our leaders should focus on unity, not dominance.”

Okorie also backed a multi-party system, arguing that smaller parties provide platforms for candidates denied opportunities in major parties. “Let parties die naturally,” he said. “Multi-party democracy gives room for fair expression and political balance.”