Oshiomhole Slams Critics: Why Defections To APC Won’t Undermine Democracy

In an interview on Channels Television, Oshiomhole addressed the recent shift of three senators to the APC, which increased the party’s Senate strength to 68, bringing them closer to a two-thirds majority. He emphasized that defections do not diminish the role of debate or dissent within the National Assembly, as lawmakers typically vote on issues, not along party lines.

He dismissed claims that the defections were dangerous to democracy, stating, “If you’ve been following debates in the Senate, sometimes you can’t even tell whether someone is from the PDP or APC based on their positions.”

Oshiomhole also noted that it is not uncommon for democratic systems to have an aligned legislature, citing the example of the United States where presidential control of both Congress and the Senate is celebrated. He argued that democracy is defined by the freedom to contribute and express ideas, not by the number of parties represented.

The senator stressed that his allegiance lies with the national interest, not party loyalty. He reaffirmed, “If I see a conflict between party interest and national interest, I have no difficulty resolving it in favor of Nigeria.”

He also expressed joy over the return of some of the APC’s co-founders, describing their return as a positive development, especially for those who have missed their presence in the party.