The All Progressives Congress has begun strategic consultations to consolidate recent defections and resolve internal crises within its state chapters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party leaders and governors met in Abuja to review congress timelines, electronic membership registration, and mechanisms for accommodating new power blocs, amid concerns that unresolved disputes could undermine the ruling party’s growing national influence.
The ruling All Progressives Congress has initiated moves to consolidate its recent defection gains and address internal crises affecting several state chapters as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
On Wednesday, members of the party’s National Working Committee and governors elected on the APC platform held a closed-door meeting in Abuja amid heightened political consultations ahead of the party’s National Convention scheduled for March.
The meeting, described by party insiders as emergency-style, took place at the Imo State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro and lasted over four hours.
It was convened under the auspices of the Progressive Governors Forum and led by its chairman, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, alongside the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
Governors, NWC Review Congresses and Party Timetable
Following the meeting, Uzodimma disclosed that the governors reviewed and endorsed the timetable and framework earlier approved by the party’s National Executive Committee for forthcoming ward, local government, state, zonal congresses and the national convention.
He said the forum also evaluated the party’s internal programmes aimed at strengthening grassroots structures and ensuring a smooth build-up to the convention.
According to party sources, the consultations focused on harmonising positions between the NWC and governors to prevent disagreements that could destabilise the party ahead of critical internal elections.
A central issue at the meeting was how to manage the influx of opposition governors and their political structures into the APC.
In recent months, at least eight governors from opposition parties, mainly the Peoples Democratic Party and one from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, have defected to the ruling party alongside lawmakers, commissioners and grassroots supporters.
Those who have joined the APC include Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Abba Yusuf of Kano and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau.
A top party official warned that while the defections have significantly expanded the APC’s national reach, they also pose risks if not carefully managed.
“We have recorded huge successes with recent defections, but many of these governors came with thousands, even millions, of supporters,” the source said. “The challenge is how to accommodate everyone as preparations for elections intensify.”
Rivers, Other State Chapters Remain Flashpoints
The meeting also reviewed lingering leadership crises in some state chapters, particularly Rivers State, where parallel party structures and unresolved disputes continue to undermine cohesion.
Another party chieftain disclosed that tensions have emerged in several states as long-standing APC leaders resist the emergence of new power blocs introduced by defecting governors and their allies.
With less than two years to the general elections, party leaders expressed concern that unresolved internal battles could weaken the APC’s ability to retain power at both federal and state levels.
The governors commended the APC leadership for the ongoing national electronic registration and digital membership revalidation exercise, describing it as a major organisational reform.
They noted that youth participation has increased significantly since the introduction of the digital process and welcomed plans to integrate National Identity Number verification to improve data accuracy and planning.
According to the communiqué issued after the meeting, the initiative is expected to enhance grassroots engagement, demographic analysis and evidence-based decision-making across communities.
Commitment To Unity and Financial Transparency
The Progressive Governors Forum emphasised the need for transparent and coordinated financial management during congresses and conventions to ensure fairness, including in states not governed by the APC.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to party unity, internal harmony and responsible communication by party leaders to sustain public confidence in the APC’s democratic processes.
It also announced plans for strategic engagements in key states to reinforce grassroots structures, beginning with a visit to Taraba State.
Governors of Taraba and Plateau states were formally welcomed into the Progressive Governors Forum, underscoring the collective resolve of APC governors to work closely with party leadership.
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