The All Progressives Congress (APC) has revealed it is in advanced discussions with at least five governors from opposition parties no who are reportedly preparing to join the ruling party in the coming months. This development is seen as a strategic effort to strengthen the APC’s base ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s anticipated bid for re-election in 2027.
The information was disclosed by the APC National Vice Chairman (South East), Ijeoma Arodiogbu, during an interview with Punch. Arodiogbu named the governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Plateau, and Kano states, as well as either Abia or Enugu, as those involved in ongoing defection talks with the party.
“We are talking about governors from Bayelsa, Rivers, Plateau, Kano, either Abia or Enugu. In the next two months, you will see them join us officially,” Arodiogbu said.
This revelation comes amid a wave of high-profile defections and growing speculation about political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. The APC appears to be leveraging momentum following the exit of former National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and the recent influx of influential opposition figures into the party’s fold.
Among those who have already switched allegiance to the APC is Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, who reportedly defected with state lawmakers and key political figures aligned with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In April, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, former Vice Presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, also crossed over to the APC. Their defection brought with them several federal and state lawmakers.
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, elected under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has also publicly endorsed President Tinubu’s re-election bid, sparking speculation about his potential political alignment with the APC. However, Arodiogbu denied any formal agreement between Soludo and Tinubu, stating that the President has not endorsed Soludo for any future role.
“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,” Arodiogbu explained.
He further criticized Soludo’s performance as governor, accusing him of losing popular support by alienating community leaders, including traditional rulers and religious groups. According to Arodiogbu, Soludo is now attempting to rebuild political capital by seeking endorsements from individuals and groups he previously disregarded.
“Soludo is no longer popular. Now, he’s scrambling for endorsements from the same people he antagonised,” he said.
Arodiogbu also touted Nicholas Ukachukwu, a seasoned politician, as the APC’s most viable candidate to take control of Anambra in 2027. He argued that Ukachukwu’s longstanding presence in Nigerian politics gives him an advantage over Soludo.
“Soludo wasn’t even known in politics when Ukachukwu was already winning elections. We are confident Anambra will go APC in 2027,” he added.
As for the South-East, Arodiogbu confirmed ongoing efforts to court key figures, including Governor Alex Otti of Abia State and the Governor of Enugu State. He suggested that the APC is confident of making gains in traditionally opposition-held states by the next election cycle.
While Bayelsa is among the states reportedly in talks with the APC, Arodiogbu said he could not confirm whether Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke would also defect. He acknowledged Adeleke has made “moves” but noted that internal party dynamics could complicate such a transition.
Insiders within the Osun APC disclosed that resistance to Adeleke’s defection is strong. Former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru are both reportedly interested in securing the 2026 gubernatorial ticket, a factor that may hinder Adeleke’s entry into the party.
“There are strong interests within Osun APC who are not open to Adeleke joining. Otherwise, he would have done so already,” a party source told Punch.
When asked about the possibility of Adeleke defecting, Basiru declined to speculate, saying, “To the best of my knowledge, Governor Adeleke has not applied to join the APC. So I can’t comment on what is still speculation.”
Meanwhile, Arodiogbu dismissed reports of a potential mega opposition coalition between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and other opposition figures. He described it as a “media stunt,” claiming that the Nigerian electorate is aligning more with a party focused on governance and delivery — the APC.
“This idea of forming a so-called opposition coalition is nothing but a media stunt. These politicians just want to keep their names in the headlines,” he said. “But Nigerians are aligning with a party that is delivering, and that is the APC.”
As the 2027 elections approach, the APC appears to be aggressively expanding its political base by targeting opposition-held states and consolidating defections, which could significantly alter Nigeria’s political landscape in the months ahead.
