The All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed what it describes as a “historic wave of defections” sweeping across Nigeria, strengthening the party’s position nationwide ahead of upcoming electoral contests. In a statement signed by the National Woman Leader, Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Idele Alile, the party congratulated its leadership and grassroots supporters for the unprecedented influx of new members from various political platforms.
The most significant development came from Delta State, where the sitting Governor, His Excellency Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the entire State Executive Council, and several other political stakeholders officially joined the APC. The statement described this realignment as a “landmark development” that signifies the growing trust in the party’s progressive agenda.
Beyond Delta, several other states have witnessed major defections:
Abia State: Over 500 members from the Labour Party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Young People’s Party (YPP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) defected to the APC in Bende Federal Constituency.
Edo State: Four members of the State House of Assembly, previously with the PDP and LP, have moved to the APC, bolstering the party’s legislative strength.
Kogi State: Former PDP governorship aspirant Joseph Ameh Erico, along with his supporters in Olamaboro LGA, defected to the APC, further consolidating the party’s grassroots base.
Niger State: Approximately 200 PDP members, including Hon. Abdullahi Mohammed Ricco, a former member of the House of Representatives, joined the APC in Munya LGA.
Sokoto and Zamfara States: Prominent PDP chieftains Alhaji Sahabi Bojo-Bodinga and Hajiya Madina Shehu defected along with large contingents of supporters.
Ondo State: Hundreds of PDP and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) members switched allegiance to the APC in anticipation of the state’s upcoming governorship election.
A particularly notable shift occurred in Akwa Ibom State, where 2023 YPP governorship candidate Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, his deputy Mr. Patrick Amba, and the entire YPP state structure—including chairman Nyeneime Andy—formally dissolved into the APC during a high-profile visit to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Other YPP leaders, including Asuquo Amba, and over 500 PDP members from Uruan LGA led by former gubernatorial aspirant Ime Ekanem, also joined the APC.
Dr. Alile praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership, crediting him with creating the conditions for the party’s expanding appeal. She also commended the National Chairman and National Working Committee for their role in fostering internal unity and strategic growth.
Highlighting the contributions of women in driving the APC’s success, Dr. Alile said, “Their dedication to grassroots mobilization and advocacy has been a cornerstone of the APC’s expanding influence.”
She concluded by welcoming all new members and urging continued unity:
“Together, let us work collaboratively to build a nation that reflects the aspirations of all its citizens.”
