Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has reacted to the growing number of defectees from the opposition party to the All Progressives Congress (APC), indicating that the trend could destabilise the party.

Speaking at the Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe Annual Award Lecture in Abuja on Sunday, November 16, he cautioned that those joining mostly opposition governors and federal lawmakers may “have no value to add” and could push the party towards implosion.

“I have warned that the APC is becoming overloaded. And when you overload a ship—especially with mostly empty cargo—it risks capsizing,” Ndume said in his acceptance speech. “The PDP is uncomfortable playing opposition. No one is going out of their way to persuade these people to join the APC. But when a brother displaced by crisis knocks, do you shut the door?”

Ndume argued that defectors often arrive with little commitment or contribution, despite being immediately elevated to leadership status in their states.

“It’s like a church member switching denominations and instantly wanting to become the pastor in charge, or someone converting to Islam and insisting on becoming Imam,” he said. “Naturally, this creates confusion in the political space.”

The Senator also urged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as it confronts national challenges, noting that while the President is sincere, many of those appointed to help him “lack the capacity” required for their roles.

“We must be united behind our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said. “People accuse me of being critical, but I speak because I fear that people may think we are failing. One person cannot be the captain, player, goalkeeper and striker all at once.”

Ndume reiterated past criticisms, insisting that “the government is overloaded with kakistocrats and kleptocrats” who must be removed for progress to be made.