More Governors Poised to Join APC Ahead of 2027, Says Yilwatda

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has predicted a surge in defections of state governors to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections, signaling strong backing for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

Yilwatda spoke on Tuesday at the 12th Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting of the APC in Bayelsa State, where the party formally endorsed Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate. Represented by Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, he said Tinubu’s governance record was drawing governors, senators, and influential political figures from opposition parties.

“More governors and lawmakers are on their way to join our party because of the calibre, integrity, and achievements of the president. Our doors remain open for those willing to collaborate in moving Nigeria forward,” Yilwatda said.

He cited recent defections of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno from the PDP as evidence of Tinubu’s growing influence.

Yilwatda urged APC members in Bayelsa to maintain unity to secure a decisive victory in 2027. “Other parties may make noise, but a lion does not concern itself with barking dogs—it remains focused on its mission. That is what President Tinubu is doing, taking decisive steps where others lacked political will,” he said.

Highlighting the South-South region, Yilwatda noted that governors there had abandoned former affiliations to support the president’s vision. “From the South-South to the South-East, leaders are making pragmatic decisions. They are leaving old parties to back the president because they have seen his determination to elevate Nigeria to greater heights,” he added.