Plateau State is witnessing a major political realignment as an increasing number of political actors and governing structures defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), triggering renewed debate around democratic responsibility, governance, and the ethical use of power.
Analysts describe the development as unusual in both scale and speed, noting that it goes beyond routine political defections and may represent a defining moment in the state’s democratic evolution. While party switching is a familiar feature of Nigeria’s political landscape, the current trend has raised concerns about the implications of a weakened opposition and the concentration of political power.
Commenting on the development, National President of the Plateau State Association, USA, Inc., Dr. Barth Shepkong, a public policy scholar and social entrepreneur, cautioned that democracy depends not only on electoral victories but on strong institutions, pluralism, and accountability.
Dr. Shepkong observed that Nigeria’s highly centralized political system often incentivizes political actors to align with federal power structures for access to resources and political survival, making many defections strategic rather than ideological.
While acknowledging that political consolidation can offer benefits such as improved access to national resources, coordinated security responses, and faster development, he warned that these advantages must be guided by ethical leadership and transparent governance.
“Where political competition weakens, legislative oversight and civic scrutiny may also decline, increasing the risk of unaccountable governance,” he said.
He further noted that Plateau State’s complex history—shaped by identity, land ownership, faith, and communal relations—makes inclusive and transparent governance essential, warning that any political arrangement perceived as exclusionary could undermine peace and social cohesion.
Dr. Shepkong emphasized that alignment with the federal government is not inherently negative, stressing that the true measure of leadership lies in how power is exercised, balanced with accountability, and translated into effective service delivery.
With opposition voices thinning, he said public office holders now bear a greater moral responsibility to govern with transparency, competence, and inclusiveness, while strengthening oversight institutions and welcoming public scrutiny.
Beyond political leaders, he urged citizens, civil society organisations, the media, faith-based and traditional institutions, as well as members of the Plateau diaspora, to remain actively engaged in civic life.
“Democracy weakens not only when leaders fail, but when citizens disengage,” he said, calling on the public to consistently demand transparency and measurable outcomes from government.
He also warned that a dominant political party must uphold internal democracy and ethical standards to avoid factionalism and weakened governance structures.
As Plateau State navigates this period of political transition, stakeholders have been urged to reinforce democratic safeguards, including transparent procurement processes, credible internal party mechanisms, effective legislative oversight, and sustained civic engagement. Observers say decisions made during this period will shape both the state’s present governance outcomes and its long-term democratic legacy.
