Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said that the recent wave of defections to the ruling party does not guarantee its electoral success in the 2027 general elections.
Na’Allah made the remarks on Monday, February 2, 2026, while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.
Defections of high-profile politicians and state governors into the APC have accelerated in recent months, reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape. Governors from opposition parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Labour Party (LP) have joined the ruling APC, stirring public discussion about the implications for the 2027 elections.
Senator Na’Allah’s comments came amid heightened attention on the political realignments following these defections and ahead of preparations for the next general elections.
Na’Allah said that while defections may draw attention to the APC’s growing numbers, they should not be mistaken for assured victory at the polls.
He argued that electoral success depends more on demonstrating good governance, responding to citizens’ needs and persuading the electorate through policy performance.
According to him, many defectors are influential politicians with established support bases, but their alignment with the APC does not automatically translate into votes for the party in elections.
“It is not in all cases that defections determine the success of a political party,” the senator said, stressing that the APC must work to earn public confidence.
Na’Allah also recalled the origins of the APC, noting that the party was formed from a coalition of groups seeking to change the political direction of the country when the Peoples Democratic Party was in power.
He said that history underlines the importance of broad public appeal rather than reliance on numerical strength alone.
Na’Allah said: “These defections are made by people who hold large authority in their various states.
It is not in politics that defection would determine the success of a party. The APC still has to work and convince the people that it is working to position the country to a greater future.”
The senator’s remarks highlight ongoing debates about the effect of political realignments on Nigeria’s democratic process.
Analysts say that while defections can alter the balance of political power, they do not substitute for tangible governance outcomes that win voter trust.
The comments underscore the APC’s need to consolidate its performance record and connect with voters across regions to enhance its prospects in the 2027 polls.
Senator Bala Na’Allah has cautioned against overestimating the impact of defections on electoral outcomes, arguing that the All-Progressives Congress must demonstrate effective governance and earn public confidence to secure success in the 2027 general elections.
