The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) says it is set to attract at least five more governors into its fold amid a wave of defections by opposition leaders, federal lawmakers, and fresh endorsements for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

This development comes on the heels of the resignation of the immediate past APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, last Friday.

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, APC National Vice Chairman (South East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, described the planned defections as imminent, warning that the opposition faces deeper cracks that could weaken its ability to challenge Tinubu’s re-election plans.

“These are not mere speculations. We’re talking about governors from Bayelsa, Rivers, Plateau, Kano, and either Abia or Enugu. Within the next two months, they will officially join us,” Arodiogbu stated.

The ongoing realignment follows the dramatic defection of Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, who crossed over to the APC with lawmakers and the entire PDP structure in the state. In a similar political shake-up, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, along with former governor and PDP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, also joined the ruling party in April alongside federal and state lawmakers.

Adding to the momentum, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance recently declared support for Tinubu’s second-term bid, even as speculation grows that NNPP heavyweights such as former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Governor Abba Yusuf, and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang may be quietly backing Tinubu’s 2027 ambition.

These endorsements and defections have reportedly unsettled opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, who have been in talks to form a mega coalition to challenge Tinubu.

However, Arodiogbu dismissed these coalition talks as insignificant.

“This so-called opposition coalition is nothing but a media stunt. Nigerians are aligning with the party that is delivering, and that is the APC,” he said.

Arodiogbu confirmed that discussions are ongoing with multiple governors across the country, including those in the traditionally opposition-leaning South-East. He specifically mentioned negotiations with the Bayelsa and Rivers State leadership while noting that conversations around Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s potential move remain inconclusive.

“Bayelsa is definitely in the picture. On Adeleke, I can’t give a definitive answer, but moves have been made. We’re not ruling out Governor Alex Otti of Abia or the Enugu State governor either,” he added, describing Anambra as a key target for 2027.

Addressing Anambra politics, Arodiogbu rejected rumours of a deal between Soludo and the Presidency for 2027, clarifying that President Tinubu had not endorsed Soludo. He recounted that during Tinubu’s visit to Anambra to inaugurate the Emeka Anyaoku Centre, the APC presented its candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, to the President, who encouraged the party to work hard to win the state.

“Soludo has lost popularity in Anambra after two years of clashes with traditional rulers, church leaders, and market unions. Now, he’s scrambling for endorsements from those he once antagonised,” Arodiogbu claimed.

He argued that Ukachukwu’s longstanding political experience makes him a more credible alternative for Anambra, adding, “Soludo wasn’t even known in politics when Ukachukwu was already winning elections. We’re confident Anambra will turn APC in 2027.”

Adeleke stirs APC waters in Osun

Despite Arodiogbu’s hints, the situation in Osun remains complex. Sources within the Osun APC indicate that strong internal resistance could stall Adeleke’s potential defection.

“Some APC stakeholders in Osun are not keen on welcoming Adeleke. If not, he would have joined by now,” a source noted.

Former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru are reportedly eyeing the APC’s 2026 governorship ticket, adding layers of complexity to Adeleke’s possible crossover.

When contacted, Basiru downplayed the speculations, stating, “To the best of my knowledge, Governor Adeleke has not applied to join the APC, so I can’t comment on what remains speculation.”