Plateau State is experiencing a significant political realignment as a growing number of political actors and governing structures migrate from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), raising concerns and conversations around democratic responsibility, governance, and the ethical use of power.
The development, described by analysts as unusual in both scale and speed, goes beyond routine political defections and signals what observers say is a defining moment in the state’s democratic journey. While party switching is not uncommon in Nigeria’s political landscape, the current wave has prompted renewed debate about the implications of weakened political opposition and concentrated power.
The National President, Plateau State Association, USA, Inc., Dr. Barth Shepkong, a Public policy scholar and social entrepreneur, has cautioned that democracy thrives not only on electoral victories but on strong institutions, pluralism, and accountability. According to him, Nigeria’s highly centralized political system often encourages political actors to align with federal power structures for access to resources and political survival, making defections more strategic than ideological.
Dr. Shepkong noted that while political consolidation can offer advantages such as improved access to national resources, coordinated security responses, and accelerated development, it also carries risks if not 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 warned.
He further emphasized that Plateau State’s unique history—shaped by issues of identity, land ownership, faith, and communal coexistence—makes inclusive and transparent governance especially critical. Any political arrangement perceived as exclusionary or unfair, he said, could undermine peace and social cohesion in the state.
However, Dr. Shepkong stressed that political alignment with the federal government is not inherently negative. He explained that the true test lies in how power is exercised, noting that authority must be balanced with accountability and public service delivery.
With opposition voices thinning, he said those currently in positions of authority carry an increased moral responsibility to govern with transparency, competence, and inclusiveness. He called on public office holders to strengthen oversight institutions and embrace scrutiny as a core element of democratic leadership.
Beyond political leaders, Dr. Shepkong also charged 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, adding that demanding transparency and measurable outcomes from government is a civic duty.
He also warned that a dominant political party must reinforce internal democracy and ethical standards to avoid internal instability, noting that unchecked expansion could lead to factionalism and weakened governance structures.
As Plateau State navigates this period of political transition, stakeholders have been urged to intentionally strengthen democratic guardrails, including transparent procurement systems, credible internal party processes, effective legislative oversight, and sustained civic engagement.
Observers say the choices made during this period will shape not only Plateau State’s present governance outcomes but also its long-term democratic legacy.