The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will control 30 states in Nigeria by 2026, following expected defections from opposition parties.
Idris made this statement on Wednesday during the 2025 Quarterly Strategy Meeting of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), held at the Government House Multipurpose Hall in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The two-day event, themed “FGN–PGF Synergy 2025: One Message, One Future,” was organised to strengthen communication and coordination between APC-led states and the federal government. Commissioners for Information from all APC-governed states were present.
Speaking at the event, Minister Idris said more governors from opposition parties are already in talks to join the ruling party, largely due to the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Presently, our great party, the APC, controls 24 states. With the number of opposition governors showing interest in joining us, I can assure you that by 2026, we will have 30 APC-controlled states,” Idris said.
He added that the wave of defections into the APC is a sign of growing confidence in the policies and reforms of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said has brought inclusive governance, economic reforms, and improved stability in the foreign exchange market.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan; it is showing results across sectors. That is why more people and political leaders are aligning with the APC,” Idris stated.
The minister’s remarks come as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. Analysts say the ruling party is already positioning itself to consolidate power at both federal and state levels.
Currently, the APC controls 24 of Nigeria’s 36 states, while the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), holds 11 states, and the Labour Party governs one (Abia State).
Defections are a common feature in Nigeria’s political system, especially as elections approach. Politicians often switch parties for strategic reasons, including better access to federal support or alignment with dominant political forces.
The meeting in Borno also focused on aligning the messaging of APC-led governments and improving public awareness of government achievements.
Idris urged APC-controlled states to work closely with federal agencies to ensure consistent communication that reflects the party’s goals and national priorities.
