The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has revealed that more prominent opposition leaders are on their way to joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing growing public confidence in the party.
Speaking during the APC North-West Zonal Stakeholders Meeting held in Kaduna on Saturday, Abbas said the wave of defections reflects increased trust in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and the APC’s governance style.
Recent defections include Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, along with the entire PDP structure in the state. Several federal lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party have also crossed over to the APC, pointing to internal crises in their former parties.
According to Abbas, the APC now controls 19 state governments and holds a majority in both chambers of the National Assembly. He disclosed that defections from lawmakers across states like Kano, Osun, Kebbi, Delta, and Edo have increased the number of new APC members in the House of Representatives to 25.
Abbas credited internal reforms within the party for its recent gains, including improved candidate selection, grassroots mobilisation, and strengthened democratic practices. He also celebrated the party’s victory in the 2024 Edo gubernatorial election, where Sen. Monday Okpebholo emerged winner.
“We have revitalised our structures in Zamfara and Sokoto and achieved strategic breakthroughs in Rivers and Bayelsa,” Abbas said.
The Speaker described the North-West as Nigeria’s most influential voting bloc, with over 22 million registered voters, according to INEC’s 2023 data.
“While the numbers are important, discipline and unity are what will determine victory,” he stated. “We must avoid the divisions of the past and work collectively towards common goals.”
Call for Development and Inclusion
Abbas also called for urgent attention to security and agricultural challenges plaguing the North-West. He proposed the creation of a regional coordination platform involving lawmakers, governors, and experts to design strategic government interventions.
He emphasized the need to involve more youth and women in the APC’s activities, describing their inclusion as vital for future political success.
