More High-Profile Defections Coming to APC – Speaker Abbas

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has predicted a new wave of high-profile defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing increasing public confidence in the party’s leadership. Speaking during the APC North-West Zonal stakeholders’ meeting in Kaduna on Saturday, Abbas said the trend reflects a growing national trust in President Bola Tinubu and the APC’s performance since the 2023 general elections.

Abbas pointed to recent defections as evidence of this shift, including the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire PDP political structure in Delta State. He also noted that several federal lawmakers, mainly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party, have joined the APC, many of them attributing their decision to unresolved internal disputes within their former parties.

According to the Speaker, the APC has gained significant ground since the last election cycle, winning governorship seats in 19 states and securing majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. He revealed that recent defections from lawmakers in Kano, Osun, Kebbi, Delta, and Edo States have brought the total number of House defectors to 25.

A statement from his Special Adviser, Musa Krishi, quoted Abbas as saying the APC expects more prominent political figures to join soon. He said these movements demonstrate a growing trust in President Tinubu’s leadership and the direction of the APC.

Abbas also celebrated the party’s recent victory in the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election, where Senator Monday Okpebholo emerged as governor. He attributed the APC’s expanding influence to internal reforms that have strengthened the party’s democratic processes, improved candidate selection, and reinforced grassroots engagement.

The Speaker said the APC has made notable strides in revitalizing its presence in Zamfara and Sokoto States and has consolidated its position in the South-South, citing recent electoral successes in Rivers and Bayelsa. He emphasized the strategic importance of the North-West geopolitical zone, describing it as a critical electoral stronghold with over 22 million registered voters according to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s 2023 data.

Abbas warned that while a strong voter base is vital, it alone does not guarantee success. He stressed the need for discipline, unity, and internal cohesion, calling on stakeholders to align with the party’s values and present a united front.

Addressing regional challenges, Abbas highlighted growing insecurity and falling agricultural productivity in the North-West. He proposed the creation of a zonal coordination platform involving lawmakers, governors, and policy experts to identify key priorities and craft effective solutions. He said such collaboration is essential to attract meaningful federal support and respond to the region’s pressing needs.

He concluded by urging the APC to prioritize youth and women’s inclusion in its activities, saying their involvement is crucial for the party’s long-term success and for shaping the region’s political future.