President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that more members of opposition political parties will join the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) have already endorsed Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate, signaling strong internal unity and effectively eliminating any significant challenges to his re-election bid.
The endorsements come amid rumors that opposition forces are consolidating around a new platform, possibly the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In response, the APC is reinforcing its unity early to maintain its dominant position.
Recent months have seen a wave of defections from opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Notably, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire PDP structure in the state have defected to the APC.
Additionally, six members of the House of Representatives and several members of the Delta State House of Assembly, including Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, have joined the ruling party. In Edo State, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, alongside other lawmakers and former council chairmen, also shifted allegiance to the APC. In Kano State, Senator Kawu Sumaila and some House members moved from the NNPP to the APC.
Speaking at the National Summit of the APC themed “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far,” held at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the constitutional right to freedom of movement and association, tacitly endorsing Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima as a key member of his think-tank team.
“Before I speak, I just need to tell those saying one-party system is not good, it’s one party ruling and driving the aspirations of Nigerians. Where do they stand?” Tinubu said. “You don’t blame a people bailing out of a sinking ship when there is no life jacket. I am glad about what we have and I am expecting more to come. That is the game.
We are in a constitutional democracy. Don’t forget the freedom of movement and association are not criminally punishable. Welcome to the progressives. Sweep them clean.”
On his endorsement, Tinubu assured party members and Nigerians of his commitment to national progress. “We will lead you on to that promised land. The resuscitation of the Nigerian economy is on course, the hope is standing before you, take it on. You are the leaders and the conscience of this country. Nigeria will be industrialized. The next two years will be great. We have the mission, we have the vision. To many of you I have not offered political positions, be patient, many things are coming.”
