Governors who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, have tightened their grip on party structures in their states, as new state chairmen emerged in congresses concluded nationwide.

The development, seen as a strategic consolidation ahead of the 2027 general elections, followed the successful conduct of ward, local government and state congresses across the country.

Among governors who recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the APC are Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa) and Abba Yusuf (Kano), who moved from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP.

In several of these states, including Delta, Enugu, Bayelsa and Taraba, allies of the defected governors emerged as state chairmen, effectively giving the new entrants firm control of party machinery.

This happened as the APC National Working Committee, NWC, directed the immediate swearing-in of all newly elected executive committee members at ward, local government and state levels.

National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, in a statement in Abuja, said the directive was in strict compliance with the party’s constitution.

“The All Progressives Congress hereby directs that the Ward, Local Government and State Executive Committees duly elected at the 2026 Congresses of the party be sworn in/ inaugurated today or soon here after,” the statement read.

He thanked party members for the peaceful conduct of the congresses nationwide.

“Our great Party wishes to thank all members, stakeholders and supporters for the peaceful conduct of Congresses around the country. Congratulations to all,” Morka added.

Party leaders described the congresses as a milestone in APC’s internal democratic process and a major step towards repositioning the party for future political contests.

Ex-PDP chairman takes over in Enugu

In Enugu State, former PDP chairman, Dr Martin Chukwunweike, emerged as APC state chairman through affirmation by delegates from the 17 local government areas at the congress held at Okpara Square, Enugu.

Other officials elected include Peace Nnaji (Deputy Chairman), Nnamdi Nwafor (Vice Chairman, Enugu East), Fabian Onah (Vice Chairman, Enugu North), Chimaobi David (Vice Chairman, Enugu West), Chukwudi Nnadozie (Secretary), Uche Obute (Publicity Secretary) and Esther Edeh (Woman Leader), among others. Governor Peter Mbah congratulated the new executives, de scribing the congress as a demonstration of unity and internal democracy.

According to him, the affirmation process reflected harmony within the party and positioned the APC in Enugu as a model for others.

Arenyeka emerges as chairman in Delta

In Delta State, Solomon Arenyeka, immediate past PDP chairman in the state, was elect ed APC chairman at the congress held at the Cenotaph, Asaba. His emergence followed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection from the PDP, which triggered a sweeping political re alignment across the state, with PDP structures collapsing into the APC. Arenyeka emerged by consensus.

Moses Iduh was elected Deputy Chairman, while Efe Uko became State Secretary. Governor Oborevwori charged the new State Working Committee to begin preparations for total victory in the 2027 elections.

Ex-PDP leader takes charge in Taraba

In Taraba State, former PDP chairman, Abubakar Bawa, was affirmed as APC state chairman after his resignation from the PDP. His emergence further under scored the consolidation of former PDP structures within the APC following Governor Agbu Kefas’ defection.

Tenebe re-elected unopposed in Edo

In Edo State, Jarret Tenebe was returned unopposed as APC chairman for a second term at the congress held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Benin City. history in the state. Delegates from the 192 wards re-elected the executive by voice vote in what party leaders described as a peaceful exercise.

Bature returns in Plateau

Rufus Bature was re-elected APC chairman in Plateau State through a consensus arrangement at the congress in Jos. Bature, a former Secretary to the State Government, pledged to strengthen party unity ahead of 2027.

Bayelsa: Ogoriba emerges

In Bayelsa State, Warman Ogor iba, a former member of the House of Representatives, emerged as state chairman at the congress held at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa.

In his acceptance speech, Ogoriba assured members that the new executive would sustain unity and work to secure elector al victories. Party leaders at the congress including Governor Diri described the exercise as peaceful and rancour-free, marking a departure from previous turbulent congresses in the state.

In attendance at the congress were leaders of the party, including Senator Konbowei Benson, Senator Benson Agadaga, Oforji Oboku, Rodney Ambaiowei and state lawmakers. Also present were the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, former deputy governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah among others.

Akwa Ibom: Ntukekpo re-elected

In Akwa Ibom State, Stephen Ntukekpo was re-elected chairman by consensus following a motion moved and adopted by delegates at the state congress. Party leaders said the consensus arrangement reflected unity and readiness for future elections.

Kana-Zuru returns in Kebbi

In Kebbi State, Abubakar Kana-Zuru was re-elected unopposed as APC chairman at the congress in Birnin Kebbi. The exercise, conducted largely by consensus, drew delegates from all 21 local government areas and 225 wards. Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Attahiru Maccido, described the congress as unprecedented in the party’s “Previous congresses were sometimes characterised by chaos and disorganisation, but under the current leadership of Gov. Nasir Idris, the process has been orderly and peaceful. We commend the governor for providing the enabling environment,” he said.

Governor Idris said former governors from 1999 to 2023 had played vital roles in fostering unity in the state, adding that his administration was building on that foundation.

“We have witnessed the calibre of people elected without rancour,” he said.

APC defies court order in Ondo

In Ondo State, the APC went ahead with its congress despite a court order restraining the exercise. Former House of Representatives member, Kolawole Babatunde, was elected state chairman.

Ojelabi re-elected in Lagos

In Lagos State, Cornelius Ojelabi was re-elected chairman through affirmation at the state congress. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu charged the executives to sustain Lagos’ reputation as a model party structure and maintain internal cohesion.

Oyo: Adeyemo emerges

In Oyo State, former Deputy Governor Moses Alake Adeyemo emerged as consensus chairman at the congress held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan. Adeyemo pledged to reposition the party and strengthen its structures ahead of future electoral contests.

Sanusi, 35 others re-elected in Ogun

In Ogun State, Yemi Sanusi and 35 other executive members were re-elected at the congress held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta.

Governor Dapo Abiodun urged members to maintain unity and internal democracy, warn ing against manipulation as the party prepares for the 2027 elections. Strategic consolidation before 2027 Political observers say the emergence of state chairmen aligned with defected governors signals a deliberate consolidation of structures ahead of 2027. (Vanguard)

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