Governors from opposition parties are pitching tents with the APC as realignment gathers steam ahead of the 2027 general elections.
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress,APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, confirmed this development Thursday in Abuja during the official reception of Kano defectors from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, led by Senator Kawu Sumaila.
Ganduje, while addressing supporters, noted that more governors are set to defect to the ruling party, describing APC’s 2027 victory as inevitable.
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda as key factors attracting new members.
“The governor of Delta State is now in APC, including his cabinet, state assembly members, House of Representatives members, and even the former vice presidential candidate,” he said, describing the party’s expansion as unstoppable.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, shocked the political scene on Wednesday when they announced their switch from the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, to the APC.
Among the high-profile defectors from Kano are House of Representatives member Kabiru Alhasan Rurum, State Assembly member Zubairu Hamza Massu, former SSG Dr A.B. Baffa Bichi, and several former commissioners and lawmakers.
In his remarks, Senator Sumaila assured the APC of sweeping victory in Kano, saying the defectors remain loyal and committed to the party’s success.
Reacting, Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum, criticised the Delta defection, labelling it a betrayal of trust and an act of ingratitude.
“The party gave its all to Delta. We least expected this action,” Damagum said during a ceremony in Abuja. He vowed to reconstitute the party’s Delta structures and urged Nigerians to hold the APC accountable for the nation’s economic struggles.
He added, “This election in 2027 is not about how many governors you have or how many leaders. It’s about Tinubu and Nigerians.”
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki also weighed in, urging loyal members to remain steadfast and describing the defections as part of a necessary rebirth.
He said, “Those who want to leave the PDP should leave now, so we can focus on rebuilding a viable opposition. One-party rule threatens Nigeria’s democracy.”
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Saraki expressed concern over the insincerity among party leaders and encouraged young members and women to actively participate in reviving the party before the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, the anti-Tinubu coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar dismissed the defections as inconsequential.
Salihu Lukman, the coalition’s spokesman, insisted that the coalition remains on course and that the full details and strategy for the 2027 elections would be revealed soon.
“The PDP must rebuild itself, discard godfatherism and imposition, or risk irrelevance,” he warned.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga mocked Atiku on X, claiming the defections mark the collapse of his coalition plans.
Also, PDP chieftain Segun Sowunmi criticised Atiku’s coalition strategy, warning that many of his allies are not loyal and may further destabilise the party.
In Oyo State, PDP stalwart Bisi Olopoeyan urged governors not to defect, warning against pushing Nigeria towards a one-party state.
He accused the Tinubu administration of coercing opposition members and blamed Atiku for laying the foundation of the PDP’s current challenges.
In defense, Norbeth Sochukwudinma, aide to Ganduje, said the defections were not motivated by fear but by a desire to support Tinubu’s developmental strides.
In the South-West, PDP Publicity Secretary Sanya Atofarati reassured supporters of the region’s stability, citing firm leadership in Oyo and Osun.
Similarly, the Edo State PDP, led by Tony Aziegbemi, insisted the party remains strong despite internal threats.
Veteran politician Chief Tom Ikimi echoed the importance of the PDP’s survival to Nigeria’s democracy, accusing the APC of attempting to destroy the opposition.
With just under two years to the 2027 polls, the political climate continues to shift as parties reposition for dominance in a high-stakes race for power.
The guardian.ng
