The All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised for a major APC political control expansion as Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri prepares to defect to the ruling party, potentially raising its control to 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states.
The anticipated move marks one of the most extensive territorial consolidations by any political party since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
Fintiri’s Defection and Its 2027 Implications
Fintiri’s expected switch is politically significant. Adamawa is the home state of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a leading presidential contender for 2027.
Should Fintiri align with President Bola Tinubu’s camp, analysts say it could weaken Atiku’s regional leverage and reshape the opposition’s electoral calculus in the North-east.
Fintiri recently signaled openness to joining the APC, stating he would follow the wishes of his constituents amid ongoing consultations with stakeholders.
Kano’s Central Role in APC Political Control Expansion
The ruling party is also preparing to formally welcome Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf into its ranks.
Party insiders describe Kano as the political nerve centre of the North-west and one of Nigeria’s largest voting blocs. Securing Kano significantly strengthens the APC’s numerical advantage and weakens opposition strongholds in the region.
“Kano is dynamic and cosmopolitan. Adding Kano to our side has thoroughly weakened the opposition,” a senior party source said.
Rivers and the South-South Consolidation
In the South-south, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is also expected to be formally received by the APC after Ramadan.
The inclusion of Rivers—an oil-rich state with considerable electoral weight—would cement the APC’s dominance in the geopolitical zone and reinforce the ongoing APC political control expansion strategy.
30 States Under APC Influence
States currently aligned with the APC include:
Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Adamawa (in view).
If additional North-east alignments materialize, party sources suggest the APC could extend its reach to 31 states.
APC Rejects Allegations of Coercion
APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda dismissed claims that governors are being pressured to defect.
He attributed the growing influx to federal infrastructure and security initiatives, including the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano rail modernization with extension to Maradi in Niger Republic, and the Sokoto–Badagry super highway corridor.
According to Yilwatda, these projects promise industrialization, trade integration, energy security, regional connectivity, agricultural expansion, fiscal growth, investment inflows, economic diversification, job creation, customs revenue generation, cross-border commerce, water infrastructure development, power stability, transport modernization, market access expansion, private sector stimulation, and long-term prosperity.
“There is no coercion,” he insisted. “They see the opportunities.”
Strategic Realignments Ahead of 2027
With momentum building across key geopolitical zones, the APC political control expansion reflects strategic political repositioning ahead of the 2027 general election.
As defections reshape alliances nationwide, the ruling party’s widening territorial dominance could significantly influence presidential dynamics, legislative balance, and the broader trajectory of Nigeria’s democratic contest.