The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is tightening its political grip ahead of the 2027 general elections, as two opposition governors—one from the Southeast and another from the North—are expected to defect to the party next week.
Party insiders confirmed that the development is top on the agenda of the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting scheduled for today at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
Governors’ Defection Tops NWC Agenda
A senior party source told Daily Trust that preparations are already underway for a grand reception to formally welcome the defecting governors.
He said the NWC may also dissolve the existing State Working Committees (SWC) in the affected states and appoint caretaker committees to harmonise party structures and ensure a smooth transition.
> “One of the governors, who is from the Southeast, will be received next week. The party leadership has been directed to organise a befitting ceremony for him,” the source said.
“The NWC will deliberate on arrangements to accommodate the incoming governors and create a level playing ground for both them and existing party members.”
The APC further consolidated its dominance in the National Assembly with its number of senators rising to 73, giving it a decisive two-thirds majority in the 109-member Senate.
This follows the swearing-in of Senators Joseph Ikpea (Edo Central) and Emmanuel Chibuzor (Enugu South) by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday.
Ikpea replaced Governor Monday Okpebholo, who vacated his Senate seat after emerging as governor of Edo State, while Chibuzor succeeded the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
The brief ceremony at the Senate chamber was attended by dignitaries including former Delta State Governor James Ibori, former Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, and the Edo Central senator’s elder brother, Dr. Lee Ikpea.
Akpabio congratulated the new lawmakers, urging them to uphold the Nigerian Constitution and familiarize themselves with the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).
> “The Senate thrives on discipline and order,” Akpabio said. “If you are ruled out of order, it’s not personal — it’s the rule of law guiding our proceedings.”
With the new development, the PDP now has 38 senators, Labour Party (LP) four, APGA two, while the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have one each.
Ekiti Governorship Screening on the Table
The NWC is also expected to decide today on the report of the Ekiti Governorship Screening Committee, which granted Engr. Kayode Ojo provisional clearance pending further review.
While Governor Biodun Oyebanji and Omolayo Oluremi were cleared to contest the October 27 primary, Olajumoke Abimbola was disqualified. Ojo’s clearance was deferred over petitions challenging his eligibility and compliance with party nomination rules.
A source close to the NWC hinted that Ojo, who serves as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), may eventually be cleared to contest.
> “The Thursday meeting will be decisive. Indications show that Engr. Ojo may be cleared, and the party is likely to adopt the direct mode of primary for the Ekiti governorship race,” the source added.
Political observers believe the wave of defections, strengthened Senate majority, and internal restructuring reflect a deliberate strategy by the APC to consolidate its power base ahead of the 2027 elections.
An Abuja-based analyst told Daily Trust that the ruling party is “clearly repositioning itself for total dominance.”
> “The APC is rebuilding its national structure with precision,” he said. “With two more governors coming on board and a reinforced Senate majority, the party is setting the stage for another decisive electoral showdown in 2027.”
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