APC Chairman Yilwatda Says More Governors Will Join Party Before 2027 Elections

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has expressed optimism that more state governors will defect to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yilwatda, represented by APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, made the remark during the Bayelsa State chapter’s 12th expanded stakeholders’ meeting and endorsement of President Bola Tinubu in Yenagoa on Tuesday.

“Our doors are still open, more governors are still moving into our party, more personalities are still moving in—senators, members of the House of Representatives—because of the calibre, integrity, and the output of the person we made president,” Yilwatda said.

He noted that President Tinubu’s performance has continued to attract opposition leaders to the APC.

Recently, the governors of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwore, and Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in support of Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Dismissing the opposition, Yilwatda likened the president to a lion:

“Other people are running around trying to challenge the president in the 2027 election, but of course you know, when you have a lion and other small animals are barking, the lion doesn’t even take notice of them, he goes about his duties properly.”

The APC chairman also commended South-South governors for what he called their “realism and understanding,” stressing that their defection underscores Tinubu’s leadership qualities.

“They are leaving their parties to come to APC to support Mr. President in 2027 to record an overwhelming victory, so that as we go into 2027, governance will be easier,” he added.

Yilwatda urged APC members in Bayelsa to remain united ahead of the elections. Former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, also reaffirmed the unity of the party in the state as preparations intensify for 2027.