The Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, has said that the ongoing wave of defections by governors, senators, and other top politicians across Nigeria into the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a direct result of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform policies, which he described as bold and transformative.
Governor Sule made the remark on Monday in Lafia, the state capital, during a ceremony to officially welcome Senator Ahmed Wadada, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District, back to the APC after his defection from the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Speaking at the event, the governor praised President Tinubu for taking what he called “courageous and necessary steps” to reposition the country, adding that the President’s reforms were gradually restoring confidence in Nigeria’s political and economic systems.
“I want to specifically congratulate our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Sule said. “It is because of the good and courageous reforms he is introducing that today, every time the progressive governors meet, we are welcoming new governors into our party.”
The governor revealed that during a recent APC governors’ meeting held in Kebbi State, the party formally received Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who defected from the opposition to join the ruling party. He also hinted that other governors were in advanced stages of discussions to join the APC.
“We were in Kebbi a few days ago to welcome our dear brother, His Excellency Peter Mbah, into our party. While we were there, another governor indicated his intention to join us. And when I returned home, I received news this morning of yet another governor rejoining the APC,” Sule added.
He maintained that the returning politicians were not merely joining the ruling party for political advantage ahead of the 2027 elections but because they believed in the President’s vision. “These governors are aligning themselves with the policies of Mr. President because they see the direction in which the country is moving,” he said.
Governor Sule also congratulated Senator Wadada for his decision to return to the APC, describing it as a show of maturity and political foresight. He assured the senator and his supporters of equal opportunities within the party.
“I want to congratulate Distinguished Senator Wadada because he could have chosen to remain in his party and challenge us. But instead, he chose to join forces with us. I thank you for believing in our party, and I’m giving you the broom immediately,” the governor stated.
The APC Chairman in Nasarawa State, Aliyu Bello, who also spoke during the event, welcomed Wadada and his supporters, promising a fair platform for all party members ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He explained that the state’s party leadership had agreed to back only credible and popular candidates for elective positions, adding that the party would not compromise its internal democratic process.
Bello also commended Governor Sule for providing strong leadership and for improving critical sectors such as security, education, and healthcare in the state. “Your Excellency, you have done enough to ensure that the APC continues to grow in Nasarawa. People are coming into the party because of the good governance and stability you have brought,” he said.
In his remarks, Senator Ahmed Wadada said his decision to rejoin the APC was based on his belief in the party’s ideology and the leadership of Governor Sule. He noted that his return was supported by thousands of his loyalists from the SDP and other opposition parties across the state.
“I have come back home to the APC with my teeming supporters who believe in my leadership and are impressed by the developmental strides of the governor,” Wadada said.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Sule and promised to work towards strengthening the APC’s unity in the state. “Our supporters are here in their numbers because they trust my leadership and appreciate the peace and stability under your administration,” he added.
As part of his contribution to strengthening the party’s mobilisation structure ahead of the 2027 elections, Senator Wadada donated 18 vehicles to APC leaders across the senatorial zones and local government areas in the state.
Political analysts believe the latest defection is part of a broader pattern of political realignment ahead of the next general election, with several opposition figures reportedly in talks to join the ruling party as President Tinubu’s economic and governance reforms continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape.
