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By Daniel Adaji
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has called for unity among party members as the ruling party moves to consolidate its dominance of the nation’s political space.
Ganduje made the call on Saturday during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting of Delta State APC members at the Imo State Governor’s Lodge, Abuja.
Reflecting on recent political developments, Ganduje said, “Successfully we were able to reclaim that state, but they were poor. But now, free of charge, through the help of Mr. President, no life is lost. So you can see how the defection will happen. As APC fabricated Nigeria, you can see what improvements are possible.”
He urged party leaders to close ranks, warning that internal divisions could discourage further defections from opposition parties.
The meeting followed the defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and other members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC—a major political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Top APC figures attended the gathering, including Delta State APC Chairman Omeni Sobotie, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and governors from Kwara, Cross River, Kogi, and Imo states. Influential leaders such as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; ex-Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, God’sday Orubebe, Ned Nwoko, and Great Ogboru were also present.
Ganduje emphasised that while welcoming new members is vital, efforts must focus on building trust and unity between old and incoming members.
“There must be some harmonization here and there,” he said, adding that the APC must remain attractive to states still under opposition control.
As of 23 April 2025, the APC controls 22 states, the PDP holds 11, while APGA, Labour Party, and the NNPP each control one state.
The Delta State meeting is part of broader efforts by the APC to consolidate political power nationwide. Ganduje said the party’s ongoing successes suggest “the writing is already on the wall” for 2027.
The APC leadership has tasked stakeholders to resolve all lingering disputes swiftly to sustain the momentum created by the recent defections.