The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded a wave of high-profile defections from opposition parties across Nigeria, boosting its political influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
From Zamfara to Kano and Cross River, prominent figures and hundreds of grassroots supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) formally switched allegiance to the ruling party this week, citing confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and the APC’s renewed development vision.
Zamfara: 15 Top PDP Leaders Join APC
In Zamfara State, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, received 15 top PDP chieftains who publicly announced their defection to the APC during a ceremony in Abuja.
The new entrants, led by Zamfara APC Chairman, Tukur Umar Danfulani, included state and zonal executives such as Isiyaka M. Dabo (PDP Youth Leader), Nasiru Mohammed Anka (Zamfara West Treasurer), and Junaidu Magaji Kiyawa (Organising Secretary, Zamfara North).
Dr. Matawalle described their decision as “bold and patriotic,” assuring them of full integration into the ruling party.
“The APC remains Nigeria’s strongest political family—united, people-focused, and progressive,” he said. “We will continue to grow stronger through inclusion, welfare-driven policies, and credible leadership.”
Danfulani expressed optimism that the growing defections would help the APC reclaim Zamfara in 2027, while Senator Tijjani Kaura announced plans for a grand reception to celebrate the new members.
Kano: 500 NNPP Supporters Defect
In Kano State, no fewer than 500 NNPP members from Fagge and Ungogo local government areas officially joined the APC, describing the move as a vote of confidence in President Tinubu’s administration.
The Managing Director of the Hadejia–Jam’are River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, received the defectors, noting that the development reflected rising public trust in the APC’s economic and agricultural reforms.
“People are rallying behind the APC because they can see real changes in governance and economic direction,” Bichi stated.
Representing the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Kano APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, commended the defectors for joining the “party of progress,” assuring them of equal opportunities.
Cross River: Senator Jarigbe Joins APC
In Cross River State, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, the last remaining PDP senator from the state, formally defected to the APC after meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North Senatorial District, was accompanied by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Kaila Dahuwa. He praised President Tinubu’s performance, saying the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is inspiring confidence across Nigeria.
“Mr President is doing very well, and his leadership inspires hope and unity. I’m proud to be part of his vision,” Jarigbe stated.
Senate President Akpabio described the defection as a “confirmation that the President’s leadership is uniting Nigerians under a common goal.”
Political observers note that Jarigbe’s defection further consolidates APC’s dominance in Cross River, where nearly all major PDP figures have already crossed over to the ruling party.
APC Strengthens Ahead of 2027
The coordinated defections mark a significant boost for the APC as it positions itself for another electoral victory in 2027. Party insiders revealed that plans are underway for a national welcome ceremony for all recent defectors in the coming weeks.
With key figures switching sides and grassroots movements gaining momentum, analysts believe the APC is steadily consolidating its hold as Nigeria’s most formidable political force.
