The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday commenced strategic efforts to manage the wave of recent defections into the party while addressing internal crises affecting some of its state chapters.

This followed a closed-door meeting between members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and governors elected on the APC platform, held in Abuja amid intensifying political consultations ahead of the party’s National Convention scheduled for March.

The meeting, which took place at the Imo State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, was attended by APC governors led by their chairman and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, alongside NWC members led by the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda.

Governors present included Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang; Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani; Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Idris; Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru; Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu; Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo; Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia; Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas; Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno; Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa; and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, among others.

Last year, the APC released a comprehensive timetable for its ward, local government, state and zonal congresses nationwide, culminating in the party’s national convention.

Party insiders disclosed that the meeting focused largely on the APC’s strategy for the 2027 general elections, with particular attention on how to effectively integrate eight opposition governors who recently defected to the ruling party.

Key issues discussed included the ongoing electronic registration and revalidation exercise, preparations for ward and local government congresses, and other pressing party and national matters.

According to a party official, while the influx of defectors has significantly boosted the APC’s strength, there are concerns that poor management of the process could spark internal conflicts.

“The focus was on how to manage the gains recorded so far. About eight opposition governors have joined the party in recent times, many of them coming with large numbers of supporters. The challenge is to accommodate everyone properly as preparations for future elections intensify,” the official said.

Another senior party figure noted that the meeting also addressed lingering crises within some state chapters, including Rivers State.

“The Rivers State situation was part of the discussion, alongside broader efforts to resolve internal disputes in some state chapters of the party,” the source said.

The high-level consultation comes amid an unprecedented political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, with the APC recording its most significant wave of defections since assuming power in 2015.

In recent months, no fewer than eight governors elected on opposition platforms have defected to the APC, alongside several federal and state lawmakers, commissioners, and influential grassroots structures.

The defecting governors include Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State, formerly of the PDP); Peter Mbah (Enugu State, PDP); Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State, PDP); Douye Diri (Bayelsa State, PDP); Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State, PDP); Agbu Kefas (Taraba State, PDP); Abba Yusuf (Kano State, from the NNPP); and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State, PDP).

These defections have significantly expanded the APC’s presence across the country, increasing its number of sitting governors and strengthening its influence at both federal and state levels — a key advantage in Nigeria’s political landscape where governors play a central role in mobilising votes, resources and grassroots networks.

However, the developments have also heightened tensions within several state chapters, particularly in areas where long-standing party leaders are resisting the integration of new political power blocs.

Party sources say the leadership is keen to avoid a repeat of past internal disputes that escalated into prolonged legal battles during congresses and conventions, undermining the party’s electoral prospects in some states.

Concerns are further heightened by the ongoing electronic registration exercise, which is expected to determine delegate strength ahead of the ward, local government, state and zonal congresses. Control of these congresses is viewed as critical, as they will ultimately shape the composition of the party’s National Working Committee at the March convention.

Political analysts note that managing defecting governors and their supporters presents a delicate balancing act, particularly in states where sitting APC governors, former governors and entrenched factions are already embroiled in succession struggles.

Unresolved disputes persist in some state chapters, notably Rivers State, where parallel party structures and prolonged leadership tussles have raised questions about the party’s readiness for the 2027 polls.

With less than two years to the general elections, the APC leadership is believed to be focused on early reconciliation, harmonising competing interests within the party and preventing internal divisions that could threaten its chances of retaining power at both federal and state levels.