The All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified efforts to bolster its political dominance by courting at least five governors from opposition parties, in what insiders are describing as a sweeping realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The latest disclosure came from the APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, just days after the resignation of the party’s former National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.
Arodiogbu revealed that the APC is on the verge of welcoming governors from Bayelsa, Rivers, Plateau, Kano, and potentially Abia or Enugu into its fold.
“These are not mere speculations. In the next two months, you will see them join us officially,” he declared.
Wave of Defections Reshapes Political Landscape
This revelation follows a series of high-profile defections and endorsements that have further weakened Nigeria’s fractured opposition. Notably, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, recently defected to the APC, bringing along lawmakers and much of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) structure in the state.
In April, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former governor and 2023 PDP vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, along with several federal and state lawmakers, also crossed over to the ruling party—significantly altering the political calculus.
Additionally, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ambition. Meanwhile, murmurs within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) suggest that key figures such as former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Governor Abba Yusuf, and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang may be quietly aligning with Tinubu’s 2027 project.
Opposition Coalition Dismissed
While opposition heavyweights such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi are rumoured to be exploring a mega coalition, Arodiogbu dismissed the idea as a “media stunt.”
“These politicians just want to keep their names in the headlines. But Nigerians are aligning with a party that is delivering — and that is the APC,” he asserted.
He further revealed ongoing discussions with governors across various geopolitical zones, including the traditionally opposition-leaning South-East. Bayelsa’s Governor Douye Diri and Rivers State leadership are reportedly part of the talks, although Arodiogbu was less definitive regarding Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.
“We’re not ruling out Governor Alex Otti of Abia or the Enugu State Governor either,” he added, noting that Anambra State remains a strategic target in 2027.
Soludo’s Influence Questioned
Amid growing speculation about a backroom arrangement between the Presidency and Governor Soludo, Arodiogbu issued a firm rebuttal.
“There is no arrangement to back Soludo. President Tinubu has not endorsed him. In fact, after he visited Anambra to inaugurate the Emeka Anyaoku Centre, we presented our candidate, [Nicholas] Ukachukwu, to the President. He told us to go and win the state,” he stated.
He also took aim at Soludo’s political standing, suggesting that the governor’s influence has waned due to ongoing conflicts with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and market associations.
“Soludo is no longer popular. He has spent two years in public fights… Now, he’s scrambling for endorsements from the same people he antagonised,” Arodiogbu said.
Positioning Ukachukwu as the APC’s viable alternative, he added:
“Soludo wasn’t even known in politics when Ukachukwu was already winning elections. We are confident Anambra will go APC in 2027.”
Growing Momentum for Tinubu’s 2027 Bid
With momentum steadily building for President Tinubu’s re-election campaign, and cracks deepening within the opposition, the APC appears poised to solidify its grip on power—barring any major political upsets.
Analysts warn, however, that while defections may deliver short-term strategic gains, long-term stability will depend on the ruling party’s ability to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges—particularly security, economic reform, and national unity.