APC Courts Opposition Governors with High-Stakes Offers Ahead of 2027 Elections

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is courting opposition governors with lucrative offers ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. According to sources, former governors are being promised ministerial positions, while current governors have been assured of return tickets, the opportunity to choose their successors, and nominate National Assembly members.

The development has sparked anxiety in the camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Atiku warned opposition leaders that backing President Tinubu’s re-election bid would be equivalent to endorsing failure, urging them instead to support his coalition aimed at ousting the APC-led Federal Government.

The PDP and NNPP have denied allegations of being pressured to switch to the APC, with the PDP’s spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, stating that Tinubu would face the people’s judgment in 2027 and that defectors wouldn’t shield him from defeat. The APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, and Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the claims, stating that Nigerians are willingly joining the APC, which remains open to welcoming more members while safeguarding their interests.

The wave of defections has rocked the National Assembly, with several lawmakers shifting their allegiance to the ruling APC. The trend has further solidified the party’s influence within the federal legislature. Several governors, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, have defected or hinted at defecting to the APC.

Sources close to the development revealed that Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State is one of the opposition governors being wooed to join the APC. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, held a closed-door meeting with Fintiri, discussing his potential defection and the benefits that come with it.

The defections have been motivated by promises of juicy political appointments, re-election prospects, and other political advantages. Atiku has warned that Nigeria is at a crossroads and called on opposition leaders to unite against President Tinubu’s re-election bid.