Attract more opposition leaders to APC, Tinubu tasks new NWC

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the new national officers of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, to intensify efforts to bring more opposition figures into the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The President gave the directive on Friday night during the party’s national convention held at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

“You have the duty to bring more patriots into the APC,” the President said.

BusinessDay reports that a wave of defections in recent months has strengthened the APC’s dominance, pushing it beyond a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly, following the influx of governors, federal and state lawmakers, and other key opposition figures.

Among governors who have recently joined the APC are Umo Eno, Sheriff Oborevwori, Douye Diri, Siminalayi Fubara, Caleb Mutfwang, Peter Mbah, Agbu Kefas, Dauda Lawal and Ahmadu Fintiri.

Also, Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano) the only governor elected on the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), also defected to the APC, leaving the party without a sitting governor.

Tinubu, however, noted that while he does not support a one-party state, the ongoing defections reflect the constitutional right to freedom of association.

He also urged the new party leadership to strictly adhere to the party’s constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act, while serving with focus, integrity and purpose.