In what appears to be a carefully coordinated political storm, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed that it is actively wooing at least five sitting governors into its fold. This move, party insiders say, is part of a larger chess game ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, APC National Vice Chairman for the South-East, Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, disclosed that governors from Bayelsa, Rivers, Plateau, Kano, and either Abia or Enugu are already on the radar — and may officially defect in the coming weeks.
“We’re not talking speculatively. These governors will join us in the next two months,” Arodiogbu said confidently.
The remarks follow a dramatic shift in Nigeria’s political atmosphere, especially after Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno crossed over to APC along with top lawmakers and the PDP structure in the state. That defection sent tremors through the opposition — and signaled the start of a wider wave.
In April, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside his predecessor and PDP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, also made the jump. Federal and state lawmakers followed suit.
Adding to the intrigue, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo (of APGA) recently gave his nod to Tinubu’s second-term ambitions — even though the APC insists no formal arrangement has been reached.
The situation has left the opposition — particularly Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi — scrambling to build what some have described as a “mega alliance” to challenge Tinubu’s stronghold. But Dr. Arodiogbu was dismissive.
“This opposition coalition is just noise. They want to stay relevant. Nigerians know who’s delivering — and that’s APC,” he said.
The APC chieftain also revealed ongoing talks with other geopolitical leaders, including Bayelsa’s Governor Douye Diri, and hinted at overtures to Rivers’ current administration. When pressed on Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Arodiogbu said signals had been made but stopped short of confirming any formal discussions.
Internal Frictions & Power Struggles
Despite the push for more defections, not everyone in the APC is on board. In Osun State, powerful factions within the APC — including former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru — are reportedly resistant to any deal that would bring Adeleke into their camp. Both men are believed to be eyeing the 2026 APC gubernatorial ticket, which would be complicated by Adeleke’s crossover.
Basiru, when contacted, dismissed the rumours.
“To the best of my knowledge, Adeleke has not applied to join the APC,” he said.
On Anambra politics, Arodiogbu had harsh words for Governor Soludo, dismissing his endorsement of Tinubu as opportunistic and politically hollow.
“Soludo has lost grassroots support. He has been in endless fights with traditional rulers, market unions, and religious leaders. Now he’s chasing endorsements from the same people,” he said.
According to him, the APC’s candidate Nicholas Ukachukwu has a stronger political history than Soludo, and Tinubu has already endorsed efforts to capture Anambra.
“Soludo was nowhere when Ukachukwu was already winning elections. We are confident Anambra will turn APC in 2027,” Arodiogbu added.
Outlook and Implications
With defections mounting and whispers of quiet endorsements from influential figures in the NNPP, the APC is painting a picture of unstoppable momentum ahead of 2027. But as internal frictions simmer and opposition forces regroup, Nigeria’s political terrain could see even more seismic shifts before the storm settles.
One thing is certain: President Tinubu and his allies are playing for keeps — and the opposition has just been served another warning shot.
