The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has predicted that additional state governors will join the ruling party in the lead-up to the 2027 general election, reinforcing President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
Yilwatda made the statement on Tuesday during the 12th Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting of the APC in Bayelsa State, where the party formally endorsed Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for 2027.
Represented at the meeting by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, Yilwatda highlighted that Tinubu’s achievements in governance were attracting key political figures, including governors and senators, from opposition parties.
“More governors and lawmakers are on their way to our party because of the calibre, integrity, and performance of President Tinubu,” he said.
“Our doors remain open to anyone willing to join us in moving Nigeria forward.”
He cited the recent defections of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC as evidence of Tinubu’s expanding influence.
Yilwatda also called on APC members in Bayelsa State to maintain unity to secure a decisive victory in the 2027 elections.
“Other parties may make noise, but a lion does not bother with barking dogs. It focuses on its mission,” he said.
“That is what President Tinubu is doing—tackling challenges where others lacked the political will.”
He further praised the political maturity of the South-South region, noting that governors there had abandoned their previous parties to support the president’s vision.
“From the South-South to the South-East, leaders are making pragmatic choices. They are leaving their old parties because they recognize the president’s determination to advance Nigeria,” Yilwatda added.
