APC Plots Major Opposition Sweep as Five Governors, Top Lawmakers Eye Defection
Ruling party confident of absorbing opposition strongholds ahead of 2027 elections
In a bold political push that could dramatically reshape Nigeria’s electoral landscape, the All Progressives Congress (APC) says it is on the verge of welcoming at least five opposition governors and key lawmakers into says it is on the verge of welcoming at least five opposition governors and key lawmakers into its fold ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, APC’s National Vice Chairman (South East), disclosed in an interview with The PUNCH that advanced discussions are ongoing with governors from Bayelsa, Rivers, Plateau, Kano, and either Abia or Enugu. According to him, the defections are not mere speculation but imminent.
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“These defections are not speculative — they are imminent,” he stated. “In the next two months, you will see them join us officially.”
The anticipated wave of defections follows the surprise resignation of former APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and builds on recent high-profile crossovers that have left Nigeria’s main opposition parties scrambling.
In April, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno led a major realignment when he, alongside key lawmakers and PDP stalwarts, defected to the APC. That move was followed by defections from Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former PDP Vice Presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, and several members of the National Assembly.
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Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl around Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, who has publicly aligned with President Tinubu’s developmental agenda. However, Arodiogbu dismissed any assumptions of a deal between Soludo and the APC.
“President Tinubu has not endorsed Soludo for anything,” he clarified. “When he visited Anambra to commission the Emeka Anyaoku Centre, he urged us to go and win the state with our candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu.”
He also cast doubt on Soludo’s political grip in Anambra, accusing him of relying on support from the same traditional rulers and groups he had previously alienated.
On the Osun front, reports suggest that Governor Ademola Adeleke may be considering defection, but internal dynamics within the state APC reportedly remain hostile to the idea.
“There are powerful figures in Osun APC who aren’t welcoming of Adeleke,” a source said, referencing former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru as central players in the behind-the-scenes maneuvering over the 2026 governorship ticket.
Responding to inquiries, Basiru stated: “To the best of my knowledge, Governor Adeleke has not applied to join the APC. So I can’t comment on what is still speculation.”
Reacting to recent opposition talks of a mega alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, Arodiogbu dismissed it as “a media stunt.”
“These politicians just want to remain in the news. But Nigerians are aligning with the party that is working — and that’s the APC,” he asserted.
As political realignments continue and the 2027 race draws closer, analysts say the APC’s aggressive recruitment of opposition figures may give it a significant edge—while placing added strain on a divided opposition struggling for cohesion.