The All Progressives Congress (APC) has welcomed a wave of high-profile defections into its fold, declaring that the development has strengthened its dominance in Nigeria’s National Assembly.
Speaking at his first National Caucus meeting since his election, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said the ruling party now commands a decisive majority in both chambers of the National Assembly, attributing the growth to sustained internal mobilisation and recent defections from opposition parties.
According to Yilwatda, the influx of new members reflects what he described as the APC’s broad national appeal. He cited the defection of several serving governors as a major boost to the party’s influence.
“Notable among them are the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri; the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah; the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas; and the most recent, the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara,” the chairman said.
Yilwatda said the party’s growing legislative strength has been driven by coordinated efforts within the National Assembly, led by the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
“We now have a clear majority in both chambers. The leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives have mobilised effectively and carried out what I would call a massive membership drive within the National Assembly,” he said.
He commended party members at all levels local, state and national along with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for providing what he described as credible leadership that has enhanced party unity and cohesion.
“Our commanding majority in the National Assembly has reflected in what is happening across the country, with more Nigerians seeing the APC as the most acceptable party,” Yilwatda added.
The APC chairman also announced key organisational reforms, including the launch of an electronic membership registration system aimed at improving transparency, data integrity and internal democracy.
He said training had been conducted at state, zonal and local government levels to support the nationwide rollout of the platform, urging stakeholders to ensure all members and supporters are registered before the end of January.
Addressing new members, Yilwatda assured them of full rights and privileges within the party, as preparations begin for forthcoming congresses.
On infrastructure, he disclosed that the party has acquired land in Abuja’s Central Business District for the construction of a new national secretariat, following a recommendation by the National Executive Council and with the support of President Tinubu.
Highlighting recent electoral performances, Yilwatda said the APC recorded over 80 per cent success in August by-elections.
“Out of the 17 elections contested, we won 14 and lost only three. With over an 80 per cent success rate, it was a good outing for the party,” he said.
He also briefed caucus members on the progress of the party’s constitution amendment committee, chaired by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, noting that public hearings have been concluded in four of the six geopolitical zones.
He urged governors in the remaining zones to expedite their hearings ahead of the party’s national convention scheduled for March.
Turning to upcoming elections, Yilwatda called on party leaders to intensify mobilisation ahead of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) local government elections slated for February 21, 2026, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said the APC had conducted credible primaries in the FCT on June 23 in compliance with the Electoral Act and party guidelines, urging members to close ranks to secure victory in all six area councils.
In his closing remarks, the APC chairman reaffirmed the party’s full backing for President Tinubu’s reform agenda, which he said is already yielding gains in economic stabilisation, infrastructure development and national security.
“The APC remains united, resilient and forward-looking. With your continued support, we will strengthen the party ahead of our congresses and national convention and build support for purposeful leadership across Nigeria,” Yilwatda said.