The All Progressives Congress (APC) says it is set to welcome at least five more governors into its fold following recent defections by key opposition figures, federal lawmakers, and increased endorsements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The APC’s National Vice Chairman (South East), Ijeoma Arodiogbu, revealed this during an interview with The Punch published on Monday, June 30. He hinted that discussions with these governors were at advanced stages.
Arodiogbu stated:
“We are talking about governors from Bayelsa, Rivers, Plateau, Kano, either Abia or Enugu. In the next two months, you will see them join us officially.”
Bayelsa – Governor Douye Diri
Reports indicate that the majority of PDP lawmakers in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly have endorsed Governor Diri’s alleged plans to defect to the APC. Of the 24-member assembly, PDP holds 19 seats. Sources told Sunday Sun that Diri instructed Speaker Abraham Ngobere to gauge colleagues’ opinions as consultations continue.
Rivers – Governor Siminalayi Fubara
In May, reports emerged that President Tinubu had convinced Governor Fubara to join the APC after months of political tension in Rivers State. Multiple insider sources confirmed the development.
Plateau – Governor Caleb Mutfwang
Calls are growing within the APC for Plateau Governor Mutfwang to defect. Earlier in June, the North-Central APC Forum said its plea for Mutfwang to join the ruling party had the backing of APC’s national leadership.
Kano – Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf
Speculations rose after Abdullahi Ganduje resigned as APC national chairman, with rumours suggesting Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso could rejoin APC as chairman. There are also claims that Governor Abba Yusuf, Kwankwaso’s political protégé, may leave the NNPP for the APC.
Abia and Enugu – Governors Alex Otti and Peter Mbah
Abia’s Governor Alex Otti has expressed strong support for President Tinubu’s economic reforms, noting that his alignment with the president predates recent political developments. Similarly, Enugu’s Governor Peter Mbah praised Tinubu for improving security on previously unsafe highways.
Tinubu Dismisses Opposition Coalition
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has dismissed opposition coalition efforts to unseat him, describing their members as “political internally-displaced persons (IDPs).” He advised Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State not to give them any hope.
