More high-profile defections coming – Speaker, Abbas

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Tajudeen Abbas, the speaker of the House of Representatives, has forecast a surge in high-profile opposition party defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming months, citing growing public trust in the party as the reason.

During the APC North-West Zonal stakeholders’ meeting in Kaduna on Saturday, Abbas made the statement.

He pointed out that a number of well-known opposition leaders, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire Delta State PDP political apparatus, had lately joined the APC.

He went on to say that many federal politicians, mostly from the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had also defected to the APC, with many pointing to internal conflicts within their previous organizations.

Abbas claims that these changes demonstrate the APC’s increasing popularity under President Bola Tinubu’s direction.

The Speaker emphasized that the APC currently has the majority in both houses of the National Assembly and has won governorships in 19 states since the general elections in 2023.

He disclosed that there are now 25 defectors in the House as a result of recent departures from members in the states of Kano, Osun, Kebbi, Delta, and Edo.

According to a statement released by Musa Krishi, his Special Adviser, Abbas said: “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 praised the APC’s recent triumph in the Edo State gubernatorial election of 2024, in which Senator Monday Okpebholo was declared the winner.

He underlined that the APC’s internal changes have improved candidate selection, strengthened grassroots structures, and enhanced internal democracy.

“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.

In his closing remarks, he reiterated the significance of the North-West geopolitical zone, characterizing it as a crucial electoral bastion and a significant factor in determining the results 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.”

In order to cement the APC’s expanding impact, Abbas underlined the vital significance of consistent participation and cooperation across all regions.

However, he issued a warning that even though the party has a sizable support base, electoral success cannot be assured by sheer numbers.

“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 emphasized the North-West’s pressing issues, such as growing instability and diminishing agricultural output.

He suggested establishing a zonal coordination platform to solve those problems, which would bring together governors, parliamentarians, and policy specialists to determine priority areas and develop tactical solutions.

“This collaborative model is vital to attract meaningful federal support and ensure that the region’s pressing needs are met effectively,” he noted.

He emphasized that the APC’s capacity to methodically handle these issues will be crucial to its future success in the North-West.

Abbas also emphasized the importance of women and youth in determining the political future of the region and advocated for their increased participation in party operations.

“Their active participation is key to securing long-term success,” he added.

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