APC Expands Political Dominance to 29 Nigerian States
The political landscape of Nigeria has shifted significantly as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) now controls 29 out of the 36 states across the federation. This expansion of political influence comes amid strategic defections ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections, marking a period of consolidation for the ruling party.
Kano Governor's Defection Strengthens APC Position
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has officially joined the APC, becoming the latest high-profile politician to defect to the ruling party. The governor formally announced his membership on Monday, January 26, 2026, following his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) just three days earlier.
This move follows a significant political development where 22 Kano State lawmakers previously defected from NNPP to APC during a plenary session. The mass defection was captured in video footage shared on social media platforms, highlighting the shifting political allegiances in one of Nigeria's most populous states.
Complete Breakdown of APC-Controlled States
The APC's political dominance now spans all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, with varying degrees of control across different regions:
South-South Zone
- Delta State: APC
- Akwa Ibom State: APC
- Edo State: APC
- Cross River State: APC
- Rivers State: APC
- Bayelsa State: APC
APC controls all 6 states in this zone
North-Central Zone
- Benue State: APC
- Niger State: APC
- Kwara State: APC
- Nasarawa State: APC
- Kogi State: APC
- Plateau State: APC
APC controls all 6 states in this zone
South-East Zone
- Enugu State: APC
- Ebonyi State: APC
- Imo State: APC
- Abia State: Labour Party
- Anambra State: APGA
APC controls 3 out of 5 states in this zone
South-West Zone
- Lagos State: APC
- Ekiti State: APC
- Ogun State: APC
- Ondo State: APC
- Oyo State: PDP
- Osun State: Accord Party
APC controls 4 out of 6 states in this zone
North-East Zone
- Borno State: APC
- Yobe State: APC
- Taraba State: APC
- Gombe State: APC
- Adamawa State: PDP
- Bauchi State: PDP
APC controls 4 out of 6 states in this zone
North-West Zone
- Katsina State: APC
- Jigawa State: APC
- Sokoto State: APC
- Kebbi State: APC
- Kaduna State: APC
- Kano State: APC
- Zamfara State: PDP
APC controls 6 out of 7 states in this zone
Strategic Implications for 2027 Elections
Governor Yusuf's defection represents a significant political realignment as the APC continues to strengthen its position nationwide. The ruling party has been actively courting opposition governors, with Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State also reportedly considering a move to the APC, though he has consistently denied such plans.
Nentawe Yelwata, speaking at the APC's 14th national caucus meeting in Abuja on December 18, 2025, announced the potential defection of Governor Mutfwang, which would make him the seventh governor to switch from opposition parties to the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The political consolidation comes amid visible changes in Kano State, where NNPP flags have been replaced with APC banners, signaling the changing political dynamics in this strategic northern state. The APC's expanding control across geopolitical zones positions the party strongly for the upcoming electoral cycle, potentially reshaping Nigeria's political landscape for years to come.
