President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that additional members of opposition parties will join the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. This comes as the APC’s top leadership, including its National Working Committee and the Progressive Governors Forum, have thrown their support behind Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the next presidential race.
The widespread endorsements from within the party reflect a unified front, minimizing the likelihood of internal resistance to Tinubu’s bid for re-election.
This strategic consolidation is occurring amid reports that opposition figures are exploring a new coalition, potentially under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) banner. In recent months, the APC has welcomed a wave of defections from other parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Among those who have switched allegiance are Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and a significant portion of the PDP’s structure in the state. Additionally, six federal lawmakers have crossed over to the ruling party.
State-level political shifts have also intensified. The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Emomotimi Guwor, along with other legislators, officially joined the APC. In Edo State, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku and two fellow lawmakers, Sunny Ifada and Yekini Idaiye, also made the move, accompanied by several former local government chairpersons.
In Kano, Senator Kawu Sumaila and a number of representatives from the NNPP have similarly defected to the APC.
Speaking during the APC National Summit at the State House in Abuja, themed “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far,” President Tinubu emphasized the constitutional rights of citizens to choose their political affiliations freely.
“You don’t blame a people bailing out of a sinking ship when there is no life jacket,” he remarked. “I am glad about what we have and I am expecting more to come. That is the game. We are in a constitutional democracy. Don’t forget the freedom of movement and association are not criminally punishable. Welcome to the progressives. Sweep them clean.”
He also praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, labeling him a core part of his advisory team.
On his endorsement, Tinubu told party members: “We will lead you on to that promised land. The resuscitation of the Nigerian economy is on course, the hope is standing before you, take it on.”
He urged patience from party loyalists awaiting appointments, saying, “To many of you I have not offered political positions, be patient, many things are coming.”
National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, officially affirmed the president’s candidacy, stating: “As the chairman of the party and as the only recognised platform to field a candidate in any election, I, hereby, affirm the endorsement of the President.”
