APC Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda predicts more governors and top politicians will defect to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has expressed optimism that more state governors and prominent politicians will abandon the opposition to join the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yilwatda, represented by the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, gave this assurance in Yenagoa on Tuesday during the Bayelsa State chapter’s 12th expanded stakeholders’ meeting, which also featured a formal endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.

According to him, President Tinubu’s style of leadership and bold economic reforms have continued to attract not only lawmakers at both state and federal levels, but also serving governors who are leaving their political platforms to align with the APC.

He pointed out that the party remains open to new entrants across the country.

He declared: “Our doors are still open. More governors are moving into our party, and many distinguished personalities, including senators and House of Representatives members, are joining.

“This is because of the integrity, capacity, and results-driven leadership of the man we elected as president.”

Citing examples, Yilwatda referenced the recent defection of the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwore, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who both left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pitch their tent with the APC in support of President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The APC chairman further likened Tinubu’s leadership style to that of a lion, saying the president remains focused on governance despite criticisms from the opposition.

“In every contest, it is expected that dogs will bark and opposition voices will rise. But a lion does not concern itself with the noise of smaller animals.

“That is what the president is doing—focusing on his duties and achieving results,” he remarked.

Yilwatda commended leaders in the South-South for embracing what he described as the “quality character” of the president, which has compelled many to abandon their previous parties to work with the APC.

He argued that such political realignment is necessary to move Nigeria forward.

He continued: “Because of what they have seen in Mr. President, they have all joined hands with our great party to strengthen governance and ensure that the country achieves greatness.

“From the South-East to the South-South, governors and political leaders are aligning with the APC to guarantee President Tinubu’s overwhelming victory in 2027.

“Their commitment will make governance smoother and more impactful.”

The APC chairman added that Tinubu is demonstrating the political will that others lacked by implementing tough but necessary reforms to place Nigeria on the path of growth.

He called on party members in Bayelsa to remain united and committed, stressing that internal harmony was vital for victory in the coming elections.

In his remarks, the former Governor of Bayelsa State and APC chieftain, Chief Timipre Sylva, affirmed that the party in Bayelsa remains united and focused on building momentum ahead of the polls.

He said the stakeholders’ meeting and endorsement of President Tinubu was a demonstration of their commitment to stand by the president and strengthen the party’s grassroots machinery.

The high point of the meeting was the formal passage of a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, with party leaders unanimously endorsing him as the sole APC candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

Ambassador Phillip Ikrusi moved the motion for endorsement, and it was seconded by Hon. Preye Oseke, a former member of the House of Representatives.

Speaking on the reason for their endorsement, party leaders described Tinubu as a visionary leader whose policies have already started reshaping Nigeria’s trajectory.

They highlighted his economic reforms, investments in infrastructure, energy sector initiatives, and renewed focus on security, arguing that these policies had rekindled hope among citizens and laid the foundation for a prosperous future.

They noted that while Tinubu’s reforms may initially appear tough, they are necessary steps to rebuild the economy and reposition Nigeria for growth.

According to them, the president has shown rare political will by embarking on measures that previous administrations were either unwilling or unable to implement.

The meeting concluded with a call for party members across the South-South and the nation at large to close ranks and work for the APC’s success in 2027.

Stakeholders expressed confidence that with the current momentum and the president’s performance, the APC would not only retain power but also achieve an even greater mandate from Nigerians.