The All Progressives Congress (APC) has revealed fresh moves to woo at least five more sitting governors into its fold, as part of a sweeping strategy to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 general elections — a campaign insiders have dubbed “Hurricane Tinubu.”
This disclosure was made in an exclusive chat with Hobnob News by the party’s National Vice Chairman (South East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, who confidently declared that more defections from the opposition are not just probable — they are imminent.
The statement comes just days after the resignation of former APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, triggering a political reshuffle and renewed focus on President Bola Tinubu’s re-election machinery.
Defections & Endorsements: APC’s Expanding Tent
According to Arodiogbu, ongoing consultations span across multiple geopolitical zones, with talks underway involving governors from Bayelsa, Rivers, Enugu, Abia, and even Anambra — currently under the control of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The ruling party is also said to be monitoring governors from NNPP and the PDP, including Kano’s Abba Yusuf, Plateau’s Caleb Mutfwang, and Bayelsa’s Douye Diri.
In a surprising twist, Anambra Governor Charles Soludo — who hails from APGA — recently expressed public support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition, further fueling rumours of behind-the-scenes negotiations.
“The tide is shifting. Nigerians are aligning with the party that is delivering on its promises — and that party is APC,” Arodiogbu stated confidently.
Opposition Under Pressure
These developments have reportedly rattled opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, who have been exploring a potential mega opposition coalition. But Arodiogbu dismissed their efforts as “media stunts” with little electoral relevance.
“They are more interested in staying in the news than building credible alternatives. The APC is focused on performance, not propaganda,” he added.
Soludo, Adeleke, and the 2027 Equation
While rumours suggest a 2027 deal between the Presidency and Governor Soludo, Arodiogbu refuted such claims, affirming that President Tinubu has not endorsed Soludo for any national ticket.
“There’s no such arrangement. In fact, during Tinubu’s recent visit to Anambra, we introduced our APC candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, to the President. He told us, ‘Go and win the state.’”
He went further to question Soludo’s popularity, accusing him of political isolation following spats with traditional rulers, church leaders, and market unions.
“Soludo is struggling for endorsements because he’s lost touch with the people. Anambra is ripe for APC in 2027,” he asserted.
As for Osun State, the situation remains fluid. Though Arodiogbu hinted that Governor Ademola Adeleke may be exploring a move to APC, insiders say internal resistance within the party is strong — particularly from key figures like Minister Gboyega Oyetola and APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, both of whom have their sights set on the 2026 governorship race.
A source within the Osun APC told Hobnob News:
“Adeleke may want in, but key party stakeholders are not sold. Otherwise, he would have crossed over by now.”
When reached for comment, Basiru downplayed the speculation and declined to comment further on the matter.
What Next?
The APC’s aggressive drive to absorb top opposition figures, governors, and political influencers may redefine the political landscape ahead of 2027. As the party ramps up its consolidation efforts, opposition groups face mounting pressure to recalibrate or risk further hemorrhage.
