By Muhammad Mamman
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has predicted that more state governors will defect to the ruling party in the run-up to the 2027 general election, bolstering President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
Yilwatda made the disclosure on Tuesday at the APC’s 12th Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting in Bayelsa State, where the party formally endorsed President Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for 2027.
Represented by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, Yilwatda said Tinubu’s performance in office was drawing governors, senators, and other political heavyweights from opposition parties into the APC fold.
“More governors and lawmakers are on their way to our party because of the calibre, integrity and achievements of President Tinubu. Our doors remain wide open to those willing to join hands with us to move Nigeria forward,” he said.
Highlighting recent high-profile defections, Yilwatda pointed to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, both of whom recently left the PDP for the APC. He described their move as proof of the president’s rising political influence.
He also urged party members in Bayelsa to remain united, stressing the importance of cohesion in securing a landslide victory in 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 remarked.
He further noted that the South-South had demonstrated “political maturity” by aligning with the APC, adding that leaders from the South-East were also shifting allegiance.
“From the South-South to the South-East, leaders are making pragmatic choices. They are leaving their old parties to back the president because they recognise his determination to take Nigeria to greater heights,” he added.
