The All Progressives Congress says it is making new moves to bring at least five state governors into its fold, amid a growing number of defections by opposition figures, federal lawmakers, and major endorsements for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
This development comes shortly after the resignation of the party’s former National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, which has triggered more political realignments across the country. Speaking with The PUNCH, APC’s National Vice Chairman (South East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, noted that the process of wooing the governors was well underway and would become visible in the coming weeks.
“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.
He noted that the APC’s target includes states traditionally seen as strongholds of the opposition. The most recent defection came from Akwa Ibom State, where Governor Umo Eno, along with lawmakers and the state’s entire PDP structure, officially joined the APC.
In another key shake-up, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, along with former governor and PDP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, joined the ruling party in April. Their move was seen as a major blow to the PDP and a signal of Tinubu’s growing influence.
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra, who leads the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has also shown open support for President Tinubu. There are whispers that notable figures from the New Nigeria People’s Party, such as Rabiu Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano, along with Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang, may be aligning with Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
These events have created uncertainty within opposition ranks. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi are believed to be discussing a merger, but Arodiogbu dismissed the move as insignificant.
“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. But Nigerians are aligning with a party that is delivering — and that is the APC,” he said.
He also noted that APC is currently in talks with several governors, especially from the South-East and South-South, hinting at names such as Douye Diri of Bayelsa and leaders in Rivers State. He did not give a clear answer regarding Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke but mentioned that some talks may have taken place.
“Of course, Bayelsa is in the picture — that’s why I mentioned it. On Adeleke, I can’t give a definitive answer, but I know he has made moves. We’re not ruling out Governor Alex Otti of Abia or the Enugu State governor either,” he said.
In Anambra, Arodiogbu strongly denied claims that the APC had any deal with Governor Soludo.
“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 added.
He also claimed that Soludo was struggling with his public image and losing popularity due to ongoing conflicts with traditional leaders and other local groups.
“Soludo is no longer popular. He has spent two years in public fights with traditional rulers, church leaders, and market unions. Now, he’s scrambling for endorsements from the same people he antagonised,” he said.
The APC appears to be placing its bet on Ukachukwu, who Arodiogbu described as a more seasoned political figure with deep roots in Anambra’s politics.
Meanwhile, the situation in Osun remains complicated. Despite rumors that Governor Adeleke may join the APC, there seems to be internal resistance within the state’s party leadership.
“There are strong interests within Osun APC who are not open to Adeleke joining. Otherwise, he would have done so already,” said a party source.
With key party figures like former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru interested in the 2026 governorship ticket, any move by Adeleke to switch parties could spark major internal tension.
Basiru, when asked, downplayed the talk of Adeleke’s defection.
“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,” he said.
