The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has forecasted an increase in defections of high-profile opposition figures to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling growing confidence in the party’s leadership.
Abbas made the remarks during the APC’s North-West Zonal Stakeholders Meeting held in Kaduna on Saturday.
Highlighting recent defections, Abbas said, “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.”
The APC has recently welcomed several federal lawmakers from opposition parties, mainly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, who cited internal crises as reasons for their defection. Since the 2023 general elections, the APC has secured governorships in 19 states and maintains the largest presence in both chambers of the National Assembly.
Abbas revealed that defections from Kano, Osun, Kebbi, Delta, and Edo states have increased the APC’s numbers in the House of Representatives to 25. He also celebrated the party’s victory in the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election, where Senator Monday Okpebholo secured a decisive win.
“Since the last National Working Committee meeting, our internal reforms have deepened democracy within the party, enhanced candidate selection processes, and strengthened grassroots structures,” Abbas stated.
The Speaker described the North-West geopolitical zone as a critical electoral bloc with over 22 million registered voters. “It is essential to recognise that the North-West is a decisive force in shaping electoral outcomes,” he said.
Abbas emphasized that success depends on unity and discipline, cautioning against divisions that have previously undermined the party. To address pressing challenges such as insecurity and declining agricultural productivity, he proposed establishing a zonal coordination platform uniting lawmakers, governors, and experts to prioritize these issues.
Finally, Abbas stressed the importance of involving more young people and women in the party, stating, “Their involvement is crucial for achieving future political success.”
