Tinubu Clinches APC’s 2027 Endorsement as Atiku, Obi Consider Coalition Ticket

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday secured unanimous backing from the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership to seek re-election in 2027, amid rising speculation that opposition heavyweights Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi may join forces under a new political coalition.

The endorsement, which came during the APC National Policy and Development Summit held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, saw Tinubu receiving the full support of the APC National Working Committee, 22 governors, and the leadership of the National Assembly.

Responding to criticism that the APC was steering Nigeria towards a one-party state, President Tinubu dismissed the claims and welcomed ongoing defections from rival parties.

“I am expecting more to come; that is the game. We are in a constitutional democracy that guarantees freedom of movement and freedom of association,”

Tinubu said.

The APC’s growing dominance has been bolstered by recent high-profile defections, including those of Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki. Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other influential PDP leaders have also reportedly crossed over to the ruling party, further weakening the opposition’s position.

Despite interventions from the PDP’s National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, and Governors Forum, the party continues to grapple with internal divisions and the erosion of its political strongholds, particularly in the South-South and South-East.

According to party insiders, four more governors—Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Abba Yusuf (Kano), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers)—are in advanced talks to join the APC.

Governor Umo Eno reportedly addressed his cabinet on Thursday, informing them of his decision to defect from the PDP to the APC. He instructed political appointees to either join him or resign.

“Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave PDP is still living in the 18th century. I will still control the PDP structure. Anyone who refuses to move with me should step aside,”

a source quoted Eno as saying.

The governor is believed to have cited his admiration for President Tinubu’s leadership as a key factor behind his political realignment.

While Akwa Ibom PDP Chairman Aniekan Akpan was unavailable for comment, APC Media Network Director Iniobong John confirmed the development.

“Though no official date has been announced, I can confirm that all plans have been perfected. The governor is coming to the APC,”

John said.

Meanwhile, sources within both the PDP and Labour Party confirmed that camps loyal to Atiku and Obi have resumed high-level consultations. A joint meeting between representatives of both camps is expected in the coming days to resolve outstanding issues and possibly agree on a consensus candidate to challenge Tinubu in the 2027 presidential race.