Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has forecasted a surge of high-profile defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the months ahead, citing growing public trust in the party as the driving force behind the shift.
Abbas made the statement on Saturday during the APC North-West Zonal stakeholders’ meeting held in Kaduna.
He noted that the APC had recently welcomed several prominent opposition figures, including Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire PDP political structure in Delta State.
He added that numerous federal lawmakers, primarily from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party, have also crossed over to the APC, many citing internal crises within their former parties.
According to Abbas, these developments reflect the growing appeal of the APC under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
The Speaker highlighted that since the 2023 general elections, the APC has secured governorships in 19 states and holds the majority in both chambers of the National Assembly.
He revealed that recent defections from lawmakers across Kano, Osun, Kebbi, Delta, and Edo States have brought the total number of defectors in the House to 25.
A statement issued by his Special Adviser, Musa Krishi, quoted Abbas as saying: “At the gubernatorial level, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, have joined our party. We expect many more high-profile defections in the near future, further reflecting the growing trust Nigerians have in our party and in President Tinubu’s leadership.”
Abbas also celebrated the APC’s recent victory in the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election, where Senator Monday Okpebholo emerged victorious.
He emphasized that internal reforms within the APC had strengthened internal democracy, improved candidate selection, and bolstered grassroots structures.
“These reforms have led to significant regional gains through strategic policy engagement and development partnerships.
“We have revitalized our presence in Zamfara and Sokoto and consolidated our standing in the South-South, as demonstrated by recent electoral successes in Rivers and Bayelsa,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming the importance of the North-West geopolitical zone, describing it as a key electoral stronghold and a major influence in determining the outcomes of national elections.
He said, “It is essential to recognise that the North-West, as the zone with the largest voting bloc, boasting over 22m 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.”
Abbas emphasized the critical importance of sustained engagement and collaboration across all regions to solidify the APC’s growing influence.
He cautioned, however, that while the party boasts a substantial voter base, numbers alone are not enough to guarantee electoral success.
“Discipline and unity are essential,” he said, adding that “past elections have revealed internal divisions we cannot afford to repeat. This is a time for collaboration and a shared vision. I urge all stakeholders to remain true to the party’s core values, promote internal cohesion, and present a united front.”
Abbas also highlighted the urgent challenges facing the North-West, including rising insecurity and declining agricultural productivity.
To address those issues, he proposed the creation of a zonal coordination platform bringing together lawmakers, governors, and policy experts to identify priority areas and formulate strategic responses.
“This collaborative model is vital to attract meaningful federal support and ensure that the region’s pressing needs are met effectively,” he noted.
He stressed that the APC’s future success in the North-West will depend heavily on its ability to systematically address these challenges.
Furthermore, Abbas called for greater inclusion of young people and women in the party’s activities, emphasizing their vital role in shaping the region’s political future.
“Their active participation is key to securing long-term success,” he added.