The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the criticism from the Coalition of All Civil Society Organisations in Ondo State (CACSOD) regarding the defection of the opposition lawmakers in the State House of Assembly to the governing party. 

CACSOD had condemned the mass defection of opposition lawmakers, describing it as unhealthy for Nigeria’s democracy and a setback for accountability and good governance. 

The group, in a statement on Saturday, decried that all 26 members of the state assembly now belonged to the APC, stating, “The absence of opposition is the death of democracy.” The backlash followed the defection of the last two PDP members in the assembly to the APC.

Faulting the group’s criticism in a statement on Sunday, the APC described the lawmakers’ decision to join its fold as a “validation of the pragmatic governance and pro-people policies” of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and President Bola Tinubu. 

The statement, signed by the party’s director of media and publicity, Steve Otaloro, said both leaders had shown a “clear commitment” to the development of the state and Nigeria at large.

The APC rejected claims that such defections undermine democracy, arguing instead that elected representatives have the constitutional right to choose the political platform that best allows them to serve their constituents.

According to the party, to suggest otherwise is to stifle democracy and undermine the will of the people.

The party also faulted CACSOD’s assertion that the absence of opposition equals democratic collapse, calling the position “myopic.”

“Democracy thrives on performance, accountability, and the consent of the governed. If political actors and parties fail to offer credible leadership or measurable results, they lose the confidence of their members and supporters,” the statement said.

It welcomed, however, the latest defectors, Minority Leader Olajide Oguntodu (Akure South 1) and Oluwatoyin Daodu, from Akoko South West 1, to its fold.

“They will be mentored, supported, and given the platform to aspire to any position for which they are suitably qualified. Our doors are open to talent, integrity, and dedication,” APC stated.

The party urged civil society groups and citizens to assess political developments based on “substance and outcomes” rather than “alarmist rhetoric.”

It reaffirmed its commitment to providing practical, accountable, and results-oriented governance for the people of the Sunshine State.