In a significant display of political realignment, six former governors originally elected under the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made their debut at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) National Caucus meeting. The high-profile gathering took place on Thursday night at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
High-Profile Defectors Make Their Debut
The six former PDP governors who participated in their first major APC caucus since defecting are Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State. Their presence marks a substantial shift in the nation's political landscape, bringing considerable regional influence into the APC fold.
The meeting also featured other notable recent converts from the PDP. Former Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, and former Senate President Ken Nnamani were all in attendance, further underscoring the migration of key political figures to the ruling party.
Top Government and Party Leadership in Attendance
The session was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing the apex of the executive branch. He was joined by a powerful contingent from the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
The party's organizational leadership was fully represented by National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru. The hall was filled with serving and former APC governors, members of the National Working Committee, and senior party stakeholders, making it a comprehensive gathering of the party's power structure.
Observers and Presidential Arrival
Adding a layer of official oversight to the internal party meeting, officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present as observers. The event reached its peak with the arrival of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at 7:38 pm, who joined the caucus to deliberate on pressing party and national matters.
This meeting, held on 18 December 2025, serves as a clear indicator of the APC's ongoing consolidation of power ahead of future electoral cycles. The integration of these former opposition heavyweights into the ruling party's highest decision-making caucus suggests a strategic move to broaden its national appeal and weaken the structural foundation of the PDP.
