APC Controls 24 States, 73 Senators as Defections Rock Opposition Ahead of 2027 Polls

APC Controls 24 States, 73 Senators as Defections Rock Opposition Ahead of 2027 Polls

As the 2027 presidential election approaches, opposition parties are experiencing further setbacks, while the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to strengthen its political dominance by attracting new members. The recent defection of Enugu State Governor P.N. Mbah from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a significant blow to the opposition, further diminishing their hopes.

This move not only boosts President Bola Tinubu’s chances of securing more votes in the Southeast but across Nigeria.

Political Landscape Shifts

Currently, APC holds 24 governorships, while PDP has nine, with minor parties like LP, APGA, and NNPP holding one each.

There are indications that the only NNPP governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf  of Kano State, and Bayelsa State’s PDP governor, Senator Douye Diri may join APC before year’s end.

In the Senate, APC now has an outright majority with 73 of 109 seats, compared to PDP’s 28 and other parties’ minimal representation LP (4) NNPP (1), SDP (1), and APGA (2). The situation in the House of Representatives is not encouraging for the opposition parties as their members defect to the ruling APC on almost a daily basis.

Indeed, the PDP Reps members from Kaduna State dumped the party for the APC today.

This ongoing wave of defections significantly weakens opposition parties, positioning APC favourably for President Tinubu’s possible re-election in 2027.

Enugu’s Political Realignment

For decades, Enugu has been a PDP stronghold since Nigeria’s democracy return in 1999. Governor Mbah’s decision to defect to APC, alongside his cabinet members, marks a historic shift in the state’s political terrain.

In his farewell address to PDP, Mbah expressed gratitude for the party’s support but emphasized the need for bold, principles-driven decisions.

He explained that his move was influenced by the need to serve higher ideals and better represent the interests of Enugu locally and nationally. Mbah highlighted the unity of his decision with that of other legislative and party officials, noting that over 80 percent of the party’s state-level leadership supported the switch.

Mbah stated that despite decades of support from the South-East, their voices often went unheard. His joining APC is aimed at fostering a partnership rooted in the shared belief that transformation requires disruptive change, which he sees in President Tinubu’s vision.

In response to the defections, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State called on PDP members nationwide to stay resilient, assuring them that the party remains strong in every corner of Nigeria. He encouraged members to hold their ground, emphasizing that setbacks are temporary and that PDP has been resilient since Nigeria’s democracy in 1999. Macinde urged members not to despair or doubt their party, as new leadership and heroism are emerging from this challenging period.