The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, announced at the party’s 12th expanded stakeholders’ meeting in Bayelsa State that more state governors and lawmakers are expected to defect to the APC in the lead-up to the 2027 general election. The event also served to formally endorse President Bola Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the upcoming contest .
Speaking through his representative, Deputy National Chairman (South) Emma Eneukwu, Yilwatda attributed the influx of defectors to the president’s performance in office. “More governors and lawmakers are still on their way to our party because of the calibre, integrity, and achievements of the president,” he stated. “Our doors are wide open to accommodate those willing to join hands with us to move Nigeria forward” .
As tangible evidence of this trend, Yilwatda cited the recent departures of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno from the PDP, both of whom have joined the APC .
Urging party members in Bayelsa State to remain steadfast, he drew a vivid metaphor: “Other parties may make noise, but when you have a lion, it does not bother about barking dogs; it focuses on its mission. That is what President Tinubu is doing: taking the bull by the horns where others lacked the political will” .
He further commended political leaders across southern Nigeria, saying, “From the South-South to the South-East, leaders are making realistic decisions. They are leaving their parties to back the president because they have seen his determination to take Nigeria to greater heights” .
