2027: More Governors Will Join APC, Says APC Chair

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has predicted that more state governors will defect to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections to boost President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Yilwatda made the remark on Tuesday at the 12th Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting of the APC in Bayelsa State, where the party formally endorsed Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for 2027.

Represented by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, Yilwatda said Tinubu’s governance style and achievements were attracting governors, senators, and other political figures from the opposition.

“More governors and lawmakers are still on their way to our party because of the calibre, integrity, and achievements of the president. Our doors are wide open to accommodate those willing to join hands with us to move Nigeria forward,” he said.

The APC chairman cited the recent defections of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC, describing their move as evidence of Tinubu’s growing influence.

He urged Bayelsa APC members to remain united in preparation for 2027.

“Other parties may make noise, but when you have a lion, it does not bother about barking dogs—it focuses on its mission. That is what President Tinubu is doing: taking the bull by the horns where others lacked the political will,” Yilwatda said.

He further commended the South-South region for what he called “political maturity” in aligning with the APC, noting that leaders across the South-South and South-East were defecting to back the president’s vision.

“From the South-South to the South-East, leaders are making realistic decisions. They are leaving their parties to support the president because they have seen his determination to take Nigeria to greater heights,” he added.