Sh*ckwaves Across Nigeria: Bayelsa, Rivers, Plateau, And Kano Governors In Secret Defection Talks With APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disclosed that it is in advanced negotiations with at least five governors from opposition parties who may soon defect to its camp, a move poised to further strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 polls.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This revelation comes just days after former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, stepped down, amid a wave of high-profile defections and growing endorsements for Tinubu.

In an interview with Punch, APC National Vice Chairman (South East), Ijeoma Arodiogbu, confirmed that governors from Bayelsa, Rivers, Plateau, Kano, and either Abia or Enugu are expected to officially join the APC within the next two months.

“We are in talks with the governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Plateau, Kano, and one of either Abia or Enugu. You’ll see them cross over to the APC soon,” Arodiogbu stated.

The party’s optimism follows recent defections, notably the reported switch of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, along with lawmakers and the PDP structure in the state.

Earlier in April, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa—who was the PDP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate—also reportedly dumped the PDP for the APC. A number of lawmakers at both state and federal levels followed suit.

Meanwhile, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo of APGA has also publicly thrown his support behind Tinubu’s second-term ambition, stirring speculation about potential realignments.

“Opposition Coalition is Mere Hype” — APC Leader

Responding to talks of a possible mega opposition alliance between Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and others, Arodiogbu dismissed the idea as mere media noise.

“The so-called coalition is just a publicity stunt. These politicians want to stay relevant, but Nigerians are standing behind a party that is delivering results — the APC,” he declared.

He also confirmed that discussions are ongoing with Southeast governors, including Abia State’s Alex Otti and the Enugu State governor, as the APC strategizes to flip opposition-held states.

“Bayelsa is in our plan. As for Governor Adeleke, I can’t speak definitively, but he has shown interest,” Arodiogbu added.

On claims of a political pact between Tinubu and Soludo, he firmly denied any endorsement for the Anambra governor in 2027.

“There is no agreement between President Tinubu and Soludo. When Tinubu visited Anambra to commission the Emeka Anyaoku Centre, we presented our candidate, [Nicholas] Ukachukwu. The President told us to go and win the state,” he said.

Arodiogbu criticized Soludo’s leadership style, claiming he has lost the support of traditional institutions and key community groups.

“Soludo has alienated the grassroots — the traditional rulers, churches, and market unions. Now he’s scrambling for endorsements,” he alleged.

He described Ukachukwu as a more viable candidate.

“When Soludo was unknown in politics, Ukachukwu was already winning elections. We’re confident the APC will take Anambra in 2027,” he asserted.

While he acknowledged ongoing contact with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, internal APC sources revealed that his defection may be hindered by internal resistance.

“Some influential figures within Osun APC are opposed to Adeleke’s entry. That’s likely why the move hasn’t materialized,” one source said.

Notably, former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, are both reportedly eyeing the party’s 2026 gubernatorial ticket, which could complicate Adeleke’s potential defection.