Abuja — The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) currently controls 32 of Nigeria’s 36 state governments under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and that number is likely to grow before the 2027 elections.

Akpabio made the remarks on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the APC’s National Convention in Abuja, where he praised the party’s performance and reiterated confidence in its dominance of the national political landscape.

According to the Senate President, the party’s strength in statehouses reflects broad public support for the administration’s policies and governance agenda. He suggested that defections from opposition parties and ongoing political realignments will further bolster APC’s grip on power ahead of the next general elections.

Akpabio also told party delegates that Nigerians are yet to see the “best” of President Tinubu’s leadership, emphasizing what he described as significant milestones achieved despite challenging economic conditions. He highlighted key reforms, including economic restructuring and major infrastructure projects, as evidence of the administration’s progress.

The APC’s domination of state governments comes amid a broader trend of political defections in Nigeria, with governors and lawmakers from other parties reportedly joining the ruling party. Analysts say these shifts are part of a strategic realignment by politicians seeking relevance and influence ahead of the 2027 polls.

While critics argue that such consolidation could weaken opposition platforms and hinder genuine political competition, party leaders maintain that defections are voluntary and driven by alignment with Tinubu’s policies rather than efforts to suppress multiparty democracy.

As the electoral cycle draws nearer, the APC’s control of most state governments could give it significant leverage in shaping campaign narratives and grassroots mobilisation, forcing opposition parties to re-strategise their approaches.