Abbas predicts more high-profile defections to APC

Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has forecasted a wave of defections by prominent opposition figures to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming months, reflecting an increasing confidence among Nigerians in the party’s leadership.

The APC has recently welcomed several key figures from the opposition, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure in Delta. Additionally, several federal lawmakers from the PDP and the Labour Party, dissatisfied with internal crises in their former parties, have crossed over to the APC.

Abbas made these remarks on Saturday during the North-West Zonal Stakeholders Meeting of the APC in Kaduna. He highlighted that since the 2023 general elections, the APC has secured governorship victories in 19 states and maintains a dominant presence in both chambers of the National Assembly.

The Speaker pointed out that recent defections from federal lawmakers in states such as Kano, Osun, Kebbi, Delta, and Edo have increased the total number of defections in the House to 25. He attributed this momentum to the growing faith Nigerians have in the APC and President Tinubu’s leadership.

“Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Ifeanyi Okowa, along with their political allies, have joined our party, and we expect even more high-profile defections in the months ahead. This is a testament to the rising confidence in our party and our president,” said Abbas.

He also celebrated the APC’s victory in the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election, where Sen. Monday Okpebholo secured a significant win for the party. Abbas emphasized the APC’s progress through internal reforms that have deepened democracy, improved candidate selection, and strengthened grassroots structures, particularly in regions like Zamfara, Sokoto, Rivers, and Bayelsa.

The Speaker further described the North-West geopolitical zone as a crucial voting bloc, with over 22 million registered voters according to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s 2023 data. He stressed the importance of unity and discipline within the party, noting that while the North-West’s voter base is substantial, success in future elections hinges on internal cohesion and shared goals.

“Discipline and unity are key. The divisions we have seen in past elections must not resurface. Now is the time for collaboration and unity within the party,” Abbas urged.

Addressing regional challenges such as rising insecurity and declining agricultural productivity, Abbas proposed the creation of a zonal coordination platform to unite lawmakers, governors, and experts. This platform would focus on identifying priority issues and formulating strategies to secure federal attention for the region.

“The success of the APC in the North-West will depend on our ability to effectively address these pressing concerns,” he added. He also emphasized the need to engage more young people and women, as they form a significant part of the electorate, asserting that their involvement is essential for the party’s future success.