….as Uzodimma projects APC Governors will increase to 28
Ahead of the 2027 general election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said its commanding presence across all strata of governance, including governors and lawmakers at both federal and state levels, is a clear indication that the party is heading for victory and the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.
The party said it is already enjoying the benefits of high-profile defections by governors and legislators, particularly from the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
At present, the APC controls 26 of Nigeria’s 36 states, making it the majority party nationwide. A breakdown of the distribution of governors shows that while the APC controls 26 states, the PDP has six. Other parties control one state each: Accord, APGA, Labour Party, and NNPP. There are fears that more defections could occur ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the party’s first National Caucus meeting held at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, Nentawe Yilwatda, APC National Chairman, declared that the party now holds a “commanding majority” in Nigeria’s National Assembly.
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The caucus meeting preceded the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled to be presided over by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Friday.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim attended the meeting for the first time under the administration of President Tinubu.
About two and a half years after the swearing-in of the current administration, the APC chairman said the surge in party membership “underscores the APC’s broad representation of the Nigerian character.”
The APC, which won 20 states in the 2023 general elections, has since added about six governors from the PDP. They include Peter Mbah (Enugu), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa).
All the newly inducted governors were present at their first APC National Caucus meeting following their defection to the ruling party.
President Tinubu arrived at the State House Conference Centre, the venue of the meeting, at about 7:38 p.m., accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu; Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma; and APC National Chairman, Yilwatda.
While welcoming caucus members, Yilwatda said the party had also “strengthened its grip” in the National Assembly.
“We now have a clear majority in both chambers. In the Senate, we have the majority, and in the House of Representatives, we are also the majority,” he said.
“The leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives have mobilised massively and carried out an extensive membership drive, converting most members of the National Assembly to APC.”
He attributed the success to President Tinubu’s political sagacity, which he said “has strengthened the party’s influence in the National Assembly and is reflected across the country, as more Nigerians now see the APC as the most acceptable party.”
Yilwatda also praised the President for fostering unity, leadership, and social cohesion within the party. He announced key organisational milestones, including the launch of an electronic membership registration system aimed at boosting transparency, data integrity, and internal democracy.
On electoral performance, he said the APC recorded an over 80 per cent success rate in the August by-elections.
“Out of the 17 by-elections we contested, we won 14 and lost only three. That represents over an 80 per cent success rate, which, to me as a teacher, was a good outing for the party,” he said.
He added that the party had conducted training programmes at state, zonal, and local government levels and urged stakeholders to support the nationwide rollout. He also assured members of their rights and privileges within the party and called on them to register supporters on the party’s portal by the end of January.
Speaking earlier, Uzodinma said the party was expanding its control to as many as 28 states.
Commending President Tinubu’s performance since 2023, Uzodinma described his policies as “bold and courageous,” noting that they had helped to stabilise and improve the nation’s economy. He also praised the President’s handling of national security and his support for subnational governments.
He applauded the cordial relationship between the federal government and the states and urged the President to remain focused despite opposition criticism.
“We commend and encourage him, as the ruling party, to remain vigilant and to protect and defend our democracy,” Uzodinma said.
He recalled that in 2023, the APC won the presidency with control of only 20 states.
“But today, we are moving towards 28 governors, including Rivers State. This represents national consensus and acceptance. It shows that the APC is growing from strength to strength and reflects growing national confidence in the leadership of our great party and the country.”
