ABUJA President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that more opposition members will defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) before the 2027 general elections. This comes as the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) have endorsed Tinubu as the APC’s sole presidential candidate for the next election.
The unanimous endorsements from APC governors and lawmakers indicate a strong internal consensus, minimizing internal party conflicts over the 2027 ticket.
Amid reports of the opposition coalescing around platforms such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the APC is moving to strengthen internal unity early.
Several defections from opposition parties. PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP have recently boosted APC’s ranks:
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Delta State: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the PDP structure have joined the APC.
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House of Representatives: Six lawmakers defected to the APC.
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Delta & Edo State Houses of Assembly: Lawmakers moved to the APC, including Delta Speaker Emomotimi Guwor and Edo Speaker Blessing Agbebaku.
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Kano State: Senator Kawu Sumaila and several NNPP lawmakers joined the ruling party.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of movement and association, stating:“You don’t blame people for leaving a sinking ship without life jackets. I’m glad about those who’ve joined—and more are coming.”
He also endorsed Vice President Kashim Shettima as part of his “think-tank team,” reinforcing internal party alignment.
At the APC National Summit in Abuja, themed “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far,” Tinubu said the APC is the only party currently steering national development:“One party is driving the aspirations of Nigerians. Freedom of movement and association are constitutional rights. Welcome to the progressives—sweep them clean.”
He reassured attendees of ongoing economic recovery: The resuscitation of Nigeria’s economy is on track. The next two years will be great. We have the mission and the vision. Be patient—more opportunities are coming.
APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje formally declared Tinubu as the party’s sole 2027 candidate:“As party chairman, I affirm the endorsement of the President.”
22 APC governors also backed Tinubu’s re-election. PGF Chairman and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, led the motion, which was adopted by voice vote during the summit attended by key party leaders, including Vice President Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other officials.
House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas praised Tinubu’s reforms:“Despite initial hardships, reforms have boosted public revenue, increased foreign reserves, and restored investor confidence.”
However, not all responses were positive:
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Middle Belt Forum (MBF):
National President Dr. Bitrus Pogu criticized the endorsement as sycophantic and disconnected from reality:“It’s done for selfish gains. The economy remains fragile, and insecurity is worsening.”
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Ijaw National Congress (INC):
President Prof. Benjamin Okaba warned:“Nigeria is sliding toward a one-party state.” -
Afenifere:
Spokesman Justice Faloye said:“Endorsement was expected, but APC governors should focus on delivering good governance.”
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Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP):
Spokesperson Chief Peter Ameh described the move as panic-driven:“This early endorsement signals fear within the APC amid economic hardship. It does not reflect the people’s will. Nigerians will speak at the ballot box in 2027.”
