EXCLUSIVE: “We Are Also Looking Forward to Receiving Rivers Governor, (Siminalayi) Fubara, and Governor (Alex) Otti of Abia State in Our Midst.” — APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu Says

In a major political revelation that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has disclosed that no fewer than four sitting governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) are in advanced talks to join the party before the end of 2025.

This disclosure was made by the APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, in an interview with The Punch.

Arodiogbu identified the governors of Plateau, Taraba, Rivers, and Abia (LP) as those being actively courted by the APC, stressing that their defection was “highly possible” in the coming weeks.

He said, “It is a possibility that the Plateau governor will join us likewise his Taraba counterpart. We are also looking forward to receiving Rivers governor, (Siminalayi) Fubara, and Governor (Alex) Otti of Abia State in our midst. These are all high possibilities.

“We expect that to happen in the coming weeks before our congresses. Most of these defections are expected to happen before the end of this year.

“Once they happen, it will further confirm that the APC remains the dominant and most organised political platform in Nigeria.”

Explaining the rationale behind the ruling party’s growing attraction, Arodiogbu attributed it to APC’s open-door policy, reform agenda, and commitment to progressive governance, which he said have continued to win the confidence of opposition leaders nationwide.

He noted, “The truth is that the APC has become a home for all progressives. We are not just expanding in numbers but in quality leadership. Governors and other political leaders are beginning to see that this is the platform that offers stability and direction for Nigeria’s democracy.”

The APC chieftain further emphasized that the national leadership of the party has created an inclusive environment under its chairman, fostering dialogue and broad participation.

According to him, “The national chairman has made it clear that the APC is not closing its doors to anyone. We are reaching out to people of goodwill who believe in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Arodiogbu maintained that the anticipated defections would further strengthen the APC’s base, positioning it strategically for its 2025 congresses and providing momentum toward a dominant showing in the 2027 general elections.

If the proposed defections materialize, it would mark one of the most significant political shifts since the 2015 merger that birthed the APC, potentially redefining alliances across Nigeria’s political spectrum.