Governors who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have strengthened their influence over party structures in their states as the party concluded ward, local government and state congresses that produced new state chairmen across Nigeria, the Vanguard reports.
Multiple governors who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC in recent months, among them; Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Umaru Finti ri of Adamawa and Abba Yusuf of Kano, oversaw party congresses that elected new executives at ward, local government and state levels.
The congresses took place in states across the country as part of the APC’s schedule of internal elections, which precede zonal congresses and a national convention.
In Enugu State, Dr. Martin Chukwunwike, a former PDP state chairman, was elected APC state chairman through affirmation by delegates from the state’s 17 local government areas.
Governor Mbah congratulated the new executive and described the process as a demonstration of party unity.
Solomon Arenyeka, another former PDP chairman, was elected APC state chairman in Delta State by consensus at the congress held at the Cenotaph in Asaba, following Oborevwori’s defection.
In Taraba, Abubakar Bawa, a former PDP chairman, was affirmed as state chairman of the APC after resigning from the PDP, further reflecting integration of former opposition figures into the ruling party’s structure.
Other states also conducted congresses that produced new leadership. In Akwa Ibom, Stephen Ntukekpo was re‑elected APC state chairman by consensus.
Cornelius Ojelabi was re‑elected as APC chairman in Lagos State, and Rufus Bature secured re‑election in Plateau State. In Kebbi, Abubakar Kana‑Zuru was re‑elected chairman unopposed.
In Ondo State, Kolawole Babatunde was elected APC chairman despite a court order restraining the exercise.
The APC National Working Committee directed the immediate inauguration of the newly elected executives at ward, local government and state levels in accordance with the party’s constitution, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said in a statement.
Morka thanked members for the “peaceful conduct” of the congresses nationwide and urged that the process continue smoothly.
The election of new state chairmen aligned with governors who defected to the APC reflects internal realignment within Nigeria’s political landscape as parties reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
These developments underscore the role of internal party structures in broader electoral strategy and coordination.
