As the polity is struggling to come to terms with the implications of a wholesale defection of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State led by the governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has predicted that more governors will soon join the party.
He also expressed confidence that the APC is poised to win the 2027 general elections.
Ganduje made these remarks on Thursday at his residence in Abuja, where he received prominent members of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) from Kano State. The group was led by Sen. Kawu Sumaila and the immediate past Secretary to Kano State Government, Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, both of whom defected to the APC. Other defectors included current and former members of the House of Representatives and House of Assembly.
Following a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with the new entrants, Ganduje addressed the media, stating, “In APC, we have great faith in our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We believe in his economic reforms and his Renewed Hope Agenda. Part of that agenda involves expanding our party’s base and gaining more followers.”
He added that: “We began by democratically electing governors, starting with Edo State, which was once under the PDP. After a tough contest, we succeeded in winning the election, and now, the state is governed by APC. Now, we are opening another channel through advocacy, dialogue, and convincing influential governors to join our party. As you can see, this is already happening.”
He highlighted the recent defection of Delta State’s Governor and his entire cabinet, including members of the state assembly and House of Representatives, from the PDP to the APC. He added, “Even the former vice-presidential candidate has joined our party. We are expanding, and while I don’t want to reveal too much, I can assure you that the APC has already secured the 2027 elections.”
Speaking on the rumors of additional governors joining the APC, Ganduje confirmed, saying, “Yes, more governors are coming into APC. I assure you, and where elections take place, APC will win, Insha’Allah.”
Sen. Kawu Sumaila, leader of the defectors, confirmed their formal membership in the APC and pledged to work for the success of the party both in Kano State and at the national level.
On the impact of their defection, Sumaila referenced the 2023 general election, saying, “I refer you to the 2023 general elections. Look at the results—presidential, senatorial, and House of Representatives elections, where we contested the same day, in the same polling units, as Kwankwaso. That will answer your question.”
Other new members from Kano who joined the APC include: Kabiru Alhasan Rurmum, representing Rano/Kibiya in the Federal House of Representatives; Hon. Abdullahi Sani Rogo; Rt. Hon. Zubairu Hamza Massu, member of the Kano Assembly; Dr. A.B. Baffa Bichi, former Secretary to the State Government; Hon. Mohd Digol, a former Commissioner; Hon. Abbas S. Abbas, a former Commissioner; Hon. Sha’aban Ibrahim Lawal, a former governorship candidate; Hon. Badamasi Ayuba Danbatta; and Hon. Idris Dankuwa, former members of the House of Representatives.
