The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has expressed confidence that more state governors will defect to the party ahead of the 2027 general election. This statement was made at the 12th expanded stakeholders’ meeting and endorsement of President Bola Tinubu in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, where Yilwatda was represented by the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Emma Eneukwu.

According to Yilwatda, the president’s performance is attracting opposition leaders to the party. “Our doors are still open, more governors are still moving into our party, more personalities are still moving in, senators, members of the House of Representatives, because of the calibre, integrity and the output of the person we made president,” he said. This development comes after the governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwore, and Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Umo Eno, recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to join the APC in support of President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Yilwatda downplayed the opposition parties’ chances in the 2027 election, likening President Tinubu to a lion unfazed by distractions. “Other people are running around trying to challenge the president in the 2027 election, but of course you know, when you have a lion and other small animals are barking, the lion doesn’t even take notice of them, he goes about his duties properly,” he stated.

The APC’s confidence in attracting more defectors may be attributed to President Tinubu’s performance, which has been gaining attention from opposition leaders. As the 2027 general election approaches, the party’s ability to attract high-profile defectors could significantly impact the electoral landscape. The APC’s efforts to consolidate its position as the ruling party will likely be closely watched by political analysts and observers in the coming months. With the election season looming, the party’s strategy to attract more defectors and maintain its grip on power will be crucial in determining the outcome of the 2027 general election.