The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, predicts more high-profile opposition figures joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming months, indicating Nigerians’ growing trust in the ruling party.
The APC has recently welcomed prominent opposition members, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire Peoples Democratic Party structure in the state.
Additionally, opposition federal lawmakers from the PDP and Labour Party have joined the APC, citing internal crises in their previous political platforms.
Abbas made the announcement during the party’s North-West Zonal Stakeholders Meeting in Kaduna on Saturday.
He stated that since the 2023 general elections, the APC has won governorships in 19 states and has the highest representation in both chambers of the National Assembly.
According to him, the momentum has been boosted by the recent defections of federal legislators from Kano, Osun, Kebbi, Delta, and Edo states, bringing the total number of House defections to 25.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Speaker, Musa Krishi, quoted Abbas as saying, “At the gubernatorial level, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, have decamped to our party, and we anticipate many more high-profile defections in the coming months, reflecting the growing confidence of Nigerians in our party and President Tinubu.
“Furthermore, we celebrate the APC’s victory in the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election, where Sen Monday Okpebholo secured a decisive win for our party.
“Since the last National Working Committee meeting, our internal reforms have deepened democracy within the party, enhanced candidate selection processes, and strengthened grassroots structures.
“With these improvements, we have made significant strides regionally through targeted policy dialogues and development partnerships, revitalising our presence in Zamfara and Sokoto. Simultaneously, our accomplishments in the South-South have been reinforced by strategic realignments validated at the polls in Rivers and Bayelsa.”
Abbas described the North-West geopolitical zone as a voting power bloc in Nigerian elections, adding that it is “a decisive force in shaping electoral outcomes”.
Abbas said, “It is essential to recognise that the North-West, as the zone with the largest voting bloc, boasting over 22 million registered voters according to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s 2023 data, is not merely a peripheral actor but a decisive force in shaping electoral outcomes. This fact underscores the importance of our ongoing efforts and the need for continued engagement and collaboration across all regions.
“However, while acknowledging our substantial voter base, it’s imperative to understand that numbers alone will not assure victory. Discipline and unity hold the key. Past elections have exposed divisions that we cannot allow to resurface; now is the time for collaboration and shared aspirations. I urge everyone involved to remain committed to the party’s values, maintain internal harmony, and foster a united front.”
The speaker proposed establishing a zonal coordination platform to address challenges in the North-West, such as rising insecurity and reduced agricultural productivity.
This platform would bring together lawmakers, governors, and experts to identify priority areas and discuss effective government responses.
“This approach is essential for securing significant federal attention and ensuring that the needs of our region are effectively met,” he said.
Abbas stated that, given these serious concerns, the party’s success in the North-West “will ultimately depend on our ability to ensure these issues are systematically addressed.”
He stated that the zone must continue to integrate and engage more young people and women in the party, since they make up a sizable segment of the population.
“Their involvement is crucial for achieving future political success,” he said.
