APC Gains Five Governors in Major Political Shift Ahead of 2027 Elections
Nigeria's political landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as five state governors have recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a development that could dramatically reshape the balance of power ahead of the 2027 general elections. This wave of cross-carpeting has enabled the APC to expand its influence nationwide, with the party now claiming control of 31 out of Nigeria's 36 state governments.
Governors Who Recently Joined the APC
Political activities have intensified in recent months as governors reevaluate their positions to align with their political interests, leading several to abandon their previous parties for the ruling APC. The most recent defections include:
- Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State – Previously with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Lawal reportedly joined the APC in March 2026.
- Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State – Governor Yusuf moved to the APC after leaving the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) earlier in 2026.
- Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State – In December 2025, Governor Fubara was reported to have joined the ruling party amid intense political tensions in the oil-rich state.
- Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State – Around the same period, Governor Mutfwang dumped the PDP for the APC, marking a significant gain for the ruling party that suffered a heavy loss in the state during the 2023 elections.
- Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State – As of February 27, 2026, Governor Fintiri officially defected from the PDP to the APC. This move is particularly strategic as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a leading opposition figure, hails from Adamawa State.
Earlier in 2025, several other governors were linked with similar moves as political realignments gathered momentum, including Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State.
Political Implications for the 2027 Elections
The growing number of governors joining the APC could have major implications for the 2027 presidential and general elections. Governors are considered powerful political actors in Nigeria because they control state political structures, grassroots mobilization networks, and significant financial resources.
With more governors now aligned with the APC, the party could gain a substantial organizational advantage in campaign mobilization across many states. This development also potentially weakens opposition parties, particularly the PDP and other smaller parties, which may struggle to maintain strong state-level structures if more governors continue to defect.
However, critics argue that this trend raises concerns about political imbalance and the risk of a dominant-party system, where one party holds overwhelming control over the country's political institutions. Supporters of the ruling party counter that the defections reflect confidence in the APC-led federal government and a desire by governors to align their states more closely with national leadership.
With nearly two years remaining before the 2027 elections, political analysts suggest that the current wave of defections may only be the beginning, as more political actors reposition themselves in what is expected to be another fiercely contested national poll.
