More governors set to join our party – APC chairman

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has predicted that more state governors will switch allegiance to the ruling party in the build-up to the 2027 general election, bolstering President Bola Tinubu’s re-election chances.

Yilwatda made the remarks on Tuesday at the 12th Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting of the APC in Bayelsa State, where party leaders officially endorsed Tinubu as their sole presidential flagbearer for 2027.

Speaking through the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, Yilwatda said Tinubu’s governance record was drawing prominent political figures, including governors and senators, from opposition parties.

“More governors and lawmakers are still on their way to our party because of the calibre, integrity, and achievements of the president. Our doors are wide open to accommodate those willing to join hands with us to move Nigeria forward,” he said.

The APC chair pointed to the recent defections of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno as evidence of Tinubu’s growing influence across the political landscape.

He urged party members in Bayelsa to maintain unity, stressing that victory in 2027 required a collective effort.

“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 declared.

According to him, the South-South had demonstrated “political maturity” by aligning with the APC, while leaders in both the South-South and South-East were making “realistic decisions” by leaving opposition parties to rally behind the president.

“From the South-South to the South-East, leaders are making realistic decisions. They are leaving their parties to back the president because they have seen his determination to take Nigeria to greater heights,” he added.