2027: Tinubu Expects More Defections to APC as 22 Governors Endorse Him for Second Term
ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed confidence in further defections from opposition parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, even as he received a strong show of support from the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), who endorsed him as the sole APC presidential candidate.
Speaking at the APC National Summit themed “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far” at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja, Tinubu celebrated what he described as a party “bailing out people from a sinking ship.”
💬 Tinubu: More Defections Coming, Democracy at Work
Tinubu responded to critics concerned about a growing one-party system, saying:
“You don’t blame people bailing out of a sinking ship when there is no life jacket… I’m glad about what we have and I am expecting more to come.”
He stressed that Nigeria operates within a constitutional democracy and that freedom of movement and association is protected.
🗳 Endorsements: Tinubu Named APC’s Sole Candidate for 2027
- 22 APC governors unanimously passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu and endorsed him for a second term.
- The party’s national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, formally declared Tinubu as the sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
- Governor Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of PGF, moved the motion, which was seconded by top party figures and supported via voice vote.
🚨 Defections from Opposition Parties
Recent weeks have seen a wave of defections from key opposition parties:
- Delta State: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and the PDP structure joined APC.
- Edo State: House Speaker Blessing Agbebaku and two lawmakers defected.
- Kano State: Senator Kawu Sumaila and House members crossed from the NNPP to APC.
- National Assembly: Six Representatives switched to the ruling party.
🗣 Mixed Reactions to Tinubu’s Endorsement
💥 Middle Belt Forum (MBF) – “It’s Sycophancy”
Dr. Bitrus Pogu criticized the endorsement, stating:
“This was done for selfish gains, not based on economic or security realities on the ground.”
⚠️ Ijaw National Congress (INC) – “Nigeria Sliding Toward One-Party Rule”
Professor Benjamin Okaba warned of creeping authoritarianism:
“This move is a step closer to a one-party democracy in Nigeria.”
🇳🇬 Afenifere – “Focus on Delivering Good Governance”
Spokesperson Justice Faloye said the endorsement was expected but urged leaders to deliver democratic dividends to citizens.
🚨 Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) – “This Is Panic”
Chief Peter Ameh described the endorsement as:
“A sign of fear within APC amid economic hardship… it does not reflect the will of Nigerians.”
