The leadership of the All Progressives Congress has pushed back firmly against growing public speculation that the ruling party may be heading toward internal disunity, insisting instead that it is entering a stronger and more consolidated phase as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections. The National Chairman of the party, speaking during a high level stakeholders’ meeting held at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, described recent fears of fragmentation or collapse as unfounded and politically motivated narratives being pushed by a weakened opposition.

According to him, rather than experiencing cracks within its structure, the party is witnessing expansion across multiple regions of the country, driven largely by a steady stream of political defections from opposition parties. He argued that the APC is becoming more attractive to major political actors who now see it as the most stable platform for national influence and governance.

The Chairman dismissed the idea of any internal implosion with confidence, insisting that what is unfolding is the opposite of decline. In his words, the party is growing in strength, absorbing new members, and consolidating its position across the federation. He maintained that the APC remains focused on governance and long term planning, while opposition parties are preoccupied with internal disputes and leadership struggles.

He said concerns about instability within the ruling party were exaggerated and not supported by the political realities on the ground. According to him, no organization that is attracting governors, senators, and influential lawmakers on a regular basis can reasonably be described as collapsing. He maintained that the APC is not only stable but expanding its influence at both national and regional levels.

The Chairman also described the APC as a broad political platform that continues to serve as a “big tent” for progressive minded politicians across the country. He explained that despite the challenges facing Nigeria, including economic pressures and security concerns, the party’s policy direction under its Renewed Hope agenda continues to appeal to political stakeholders who are looking for stability, structure, and national relevance.

He told journalists after the meeting that claims of internal implosion were being driven by what he described as an embattled opposition struggling to regain political relevance. He argued that while opposition parties were engaged in internal disagreements and legal battles, the ruling party was focused on governance and expansion. He emphasized that political strength is demonstrated not only by rhetoric but by the ability to attract key figures from across the political spectrum.

Over the past several months, the APC has witnessed a series of high profile defections that have significantly reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape. Governors, members of the National Assembly, and influential party figures from opposition platforms have crossed over to the ruling party, a development APC leaders say reflects growing confidence in its leadership and long term direction.

One of the most significant outcomes of these realignments, according to party officials, is the consolidation of control in the North Central region. With recent political shifts, including the entry of Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State into the party structure, APC leaders now claim that the party holds governorship positions across the entire North Central geopolitical zone. They view this as a strategic advantage heading into the next election cycle, particularly in terms of grassroots mobilization and regional influence.

The party has also recorded notable gains in southern Nigeria, particularly in the South South and South East regions, where it has welcomed prominent political figures such as Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State. These developments have been described by APC strategists as evidence of a gradual but steady expansion into regions that were previously considered strongholds of opposition parties.

Party leaders argue that these shifts are not accidental but are the result of deliberate political engagement and what they describe as a growing national acceptance of the APC’s governance agenda. They maintain that the party is no longer confined to its original regional base, but has evolved into a truly national political structure with representation and influence across the country.

Despite the optimism at the national level, the party leadership also acknowledged that there are localized tensions that require careful management. One such area of focus is Kano State, where internal disagreements have required intervention to maintain unity. As part of efforts to stabilize the state chapter, the party recently endorsed Murtala Sule Garo as the consensus choice for the position of Deputy Governor. This decision was reportedly supported by key political figures, including Alhassan Doguwa and former National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.

The APC National Chairman explained that decisions of this nature are part of a broader effort to balance internal democracy with party cohesion. He stressed that while the APC encourages competition and participation within its ranks, it must also ensure that such processes do not lead to internal fragmentation or weaken the party’s overall structure. According to him, managing internal expectations while maintaining unity remains one of the key priorities as the party prepares for the next general election.

The leadership also took time to address the state of opposition politics in the country, offering a critical assessment of rival parties. Party officials pointed to ongoing tensions within the African Democratic Congress, particularly issues surrounding leadership disputes and legal challenges involving the Independent National Electoral Commission. They argued that such internal struggles reflect a broader pattern of instability within opposition structures.

The Peoples Democratic Party also came under scrutiny, with APC leaders suggesting that the party remains weakened by leadership crises and internal disagreements. According to them, the defection of several key political figures into the APC has further destabilized the PDP’s national structure, leaving it struggling to maintain cohesion and direction. They described the current situation within the opposition as one of confusion and political uncertainty.

Similarly, attempts by smaller parties and emerging political movements to form what has been described as a third force were dismissed by the APC leadership. The Chairman described such efforts as lacking the organizational structure, national spread, and political experience required to challenge a ruling party with established networks across the country. He argued that while coalition talks may generate media attention, they do not necessarily translate into electoral strength.

As the political environment continues to evolve, the APC says its focus remains on preparing for the 2027 general elections through strategic planning and policy delivery. The National Chairman outlined several key priorities that the party intends to pursue in the coming months. These include efforts to stabilize the economy through ongoing reforms, strengthen national security through improved coordination and technological investment, and reinforce internal party discipline to ensure smooth integration of new members.

He explained that economic policy direction will continue to align with international development frameworks, including recommendations from global financial institutions that have recently acknowledged Nigeria’s growth strategies. On security, he pointed to plans for expanded surveillance systems and enhanced intelligence gathering in areas affected by instability, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria.

Internally, the party also intends to focus on strengthening its grassroots structure. According to the Chairman, the integration of new members, particularly those who have defected from other parties, must be handled in a way that does not undermine long standing party loyalists. He emphasized the importance of unity and cohesion at all levels of the organization, warning that internal competition must be managed carefully to avoid unnecessary tension.

Throughout his remarks, the message from the APC leadership remained consistent. The party rejected the idea that it is facing internal collapse and instead presented itself as a growing political force that is steadily consolidating power ahead of the next election cycle. The leadership described the current wave of defections not as a sign of instability, but as a validation of its political relevance and governance approach.

According to party officials, what is unfolding is a transformation of the APC into a broader national movement that is absorbing key political actors from across the country. They argue that this process is strengthening the party rather than weakening it, as it brings together a wide range of political experience and influence under one structure.

The Chairman concluded by reiterating that the APC is entering the 2027 election season with confidence, unity, and a clear strategic direction. He maintained that the party is not only prepared to compete but to consolidate its position as the dominant political force in Nigeria.

As the political landscape continues to shift and alliances evolve, observers are now watching closely to see whether the APC’s confidence is justified or whether the growing influx of political actors with differing ambitions will eventually test the cohesion of the ruling party.

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