With more opposition figures crossing over to the ruling party, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has declared that the 2027 general elections are effectively “a done deal” for the APC.
Ganduje made the bold declaration on Thursday in Abuja while formally receiving a high-profile delegation of defectors from the Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), led by Senator Kawu Ismaila, who represents Kano South in the Senate.
He also confirmed that more governors from opposition parties are expected to join the APC soon, citing the recent defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as a sign of growing national acceptance of the ruling party’s leadership and reform agenda.
“We are not just winning elections through the ballot—we’re also building strength through dialogue and unity,” Ganduje said. “The defection of the Delta governor, his cabinet, and key lawmakers to our party is only the beginning. More governors are coming.”
The influx of new members from Kano includes several influential figures:
- Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum (House of Representatives, Rano/Kibiya)
- Hon. Abdullahi Sani Rogo
- Rt. Hon. Zubairu Hamza Massu (Kano State House of Assembly)
- Dr. A.B. Baffa Bichi (former Secretary to the State Government)
- Former commissioners Hon. Mohd Digol and Hon. Abbas S. Abbas
- Former governorship candidate Hon. Sha’aban Ibrahim Lawal
- Former federal lawmakers Hon. Badamasi Ayuba Danbatta and Hon. Idris Dankuwa
Ganduje emphasized the party’s confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” citing it as a key reason for the recent surge in political alignments with the APC. He added, “What we are witnessing is national realignment—people believe in the vision, and they are coming home.”
Senator Kawu, who led the defectors, described their move as “a meeting of like minds,” and pointed to his electoral track record in 2023 as evidence of the influence he brings to the party.
“Compare my results with Kwankwaso’s in the same polling units,” Kawu said. “That will tell you all you need to know about the strength and value we’re adding to the APC.”
As preparations quietly begin ahead of 2027, the ruling party appears determined to consolidate its power base well in advance of the next electoral cycle.