Former Senator Elisha Abbo, who represented Adamawa North Senatorial District, has opened up about his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2020, admitting that he made the move without seeking God’s guidance. Abbo revealed that he had acted on raw instincts and human judgment, a decision he now regrets. The former lawmaker shared this reflection with his followers via a post on his official social media account, X (formerly Twitter), on Friday.
Abbo, who was initially elected to the Senate in 2019 under the PDP banner, crossed over to the APC in 2020, citing various personal and political reasons. However, he now acknowledges that his decision was made without prayer or spiritual guidance. The former senator admitted that he did not seek God’s direction before making such a significant political move.
“In 2020, I left PDP for APC without praying and asking God’s direction on which party to join,” Abbo said. “I left for tangible reasons and raw instincts, and joined APC out of human judgment and to flow with the tide.”
Abbo’s admission has raised eyebrows, particularly considering his role as a public figure in Nigerian politics. Many had assumed his defection was based purely on political strategy or ambition, but his revelation highlights the personal struggle and spiritual reflection he has undergone since making that move.
The 2020 defection was a significant political shift in Adamawa, with Abbo abandoning his former party for the APC. At the time, there were various speculations about the motivations behind his move, ranging from dissatisfaction with the PDP’s leadership to the desire for a more influential role within the APC. His decision seemed to follow the broader trend of political realignment in the country, where party switches have become common as politicians seek the best platform for their ambitions.
Abbo’s political journey took another turn in 2023 when he was re-elected under the APC. However, his victory was short-lived. In a surprising twist, the court annulled his election and declared Amos Yohanna of the PDP as the legitimate winner of the Adamawa North Senatorial seat. This legal setback may have influenced Abbo’s introspection about his previous decisions, particularly his defection from the PDP.
In the social media post, Abbo expressed deep regret over his lack of spiritual preparation when making such a crucial decision. “I have now fasted and prayed for 31 days, seeking God’s guidance on my next political move,” he said. The 31-day fast and prayer represent Abbo’s attempt to reconnect with his faith and align his political decisions with divine direction moving forward.
The former senator’s public admission of his mistake and his efforts to seek God’s guidance have sparked a mix of reactions from his followers and political observers. Some have praised Abbo for his humility and honesty, while others have criticized him for not seeking spiritual wisdom earlier in his career.
Abbo’s reflection on his defection highlights a broader issue within Nigerian politics, where decisions are often made based on personal gain, party loyalty, or political convenience, rather than moral or spiritual guidance. His admission of not seeking God’s direction is particularly significant in a country where religion plays a central role in the lives of many citizens.
As Abbo looks to the future, he has vowed to make decisions that are more thoughtful and prayerful, ensuring that his political choices are guided by faith. This may be a sign of a new chapter in his political career, one in which spiritual reflection plays a more prominent role.
Abbo’s experience serves as a reminder to politicians and public figures that personal and spiritual reflection should play an important part in decision-making, especially when those decisions can impact the lives of millions of people. His 31-day fast may mark the beginning of a new approach to both politics and life, as he seeks to align his political ambitions with his faith.
Political defections have been a common feature of Nigeria’s democratic process, with politicians switching allegiances to parties that they believe will serve their personal interests better. While some of these defections are based on ideology or strategic reasons, many are also driven by ambition and the desire for power.
Elisha Abbo’s political journey mirrors this trend, but his recent reflection sheds light on the internal struggle faced by many public figures. In Nigeria, where religion is an integral part of life, Abbo’s acknowledgment of his lack of spiritual preparation when making such important decisions may resonate with many citizens who believe that their leaders should act with moral and spiritual guidance.
