Henry Shield, the Head of Mission at Leadership & Accountability Initiative, has alleged that the recent wave of defections by some first-term governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is driven by fear, not ideology or national interest.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Sunday, 8 June 2025, Shield claimed that these governors are defecting to avoid suffering the same fate witnessed during the recent Edo State governorship election, where the ruling party allegedly displayed what he described as “madness.”
“Most PDP Governors moving to the APC are 1st Term Governors who have seen the maaadness exhibited by the Tinubu govt in the last Edo governorship election and are scared same fate may befall them if they don’t align,” he wrote.
He further alleged that the defectors are motivated by self-preservation and the fear of a powerful presidency willing to undermine electoral processes to maintain control.
“It’s not about the good of Nigeria or Nigerians, it’s the realization that one worse than Abacha is currently in Asorock and you can only win IF HE WANTS!” he stated.
Shield’s comments come amid growing criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups over the conduct of elections under Tinubu’s administration, particularly allegations of manipulation and voter suppression.
He concluded his post with a call to action: “Until Nigerians arise…….”
