APC Unveils 2026 Congress Roadmap as Defecting Governors Join Progressive Governors Forum

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for its 2026 nationwide congresses, as the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) formally welcomed newly defected governors into its fold. The development followed a high-level meeting between APC governors and members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) at the Imo State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

The meeting underscored the ruling party’s resolve to strengthen internal democracy, deepen party reforms, and enhance grassroots engagement across the federation. It also came amid a growing wave of defections from opposition parties into the APC, further reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of future electoral cycles.

APC Governors Reaffirm Commitment to Party Unity and Reforms

Reading the communiqué at the end of the meeting, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, stated that APC governors remained united in their commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness within the party. He stressed that these values were essential to sustaining public trust and strengthening democratic practices at all levels of governance.

According to the communiqué, the Forum reaffirmed its collective resolve to deepen internal democracy and strengthen party structures nationwide. The governors emphasised that reforms within the APC must be driven by openness, responsible leadership, and effective communication to ensure cohesion and discipline within the party.

The governors also welcomed the newly inducted members of the Forum, noting their readiness to work collaboratively in advancing the APC’s agenda. This unity, they said, was critical to delivering progressive governance and reinforcing the party’s position as a broad-based political platform.

E-Registration, Congress Timetable, and Financial Accountability

A major highlight of the meeting was the briefing by the APC National Chairman on the party’s ongoing national e-registration and digital membership update. The Progressive Governors Forum commended the initiative, which has recorded significant growth, including increased youth participation and the integration of National Identity Number (NIN) verification.

The Forum noted that the digital registration exercise would enhance data-driven planning, improve demographic insights, and strengthen grassroots engagement across states and local communities. Governors agreed that credible membership data was central to transparent party administration and effective mobilisation.

In addition, the Forum reviewed and endorsed the proposed timetable and institutional framework approved by the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) for the forthcoming ward, local government, state, zonal congresses, and the national convention scheduled for March 2026. Emphasis was placed on transparent and coordinated financial management in conducting these exercises, including in states not governed by the APC, to ensure fairness, consistency, and accountability.

Defections, Strategic Engagements, and National Outlook

The communiqué also announced a schedule of strategic engagements and state visits aimed at reinforcing grassroots structures and strengthening party cohesion across the federation. The first of such visits is expected to commence in Taraba State, followed by similar engagements in other states.

The Progressive Governors Forum formally welcomed the Governors of Taraba and Plateau States into the Forum, reaffirming their collective resolve to work closely with the APC leadership to advance national development, democratic consolidation, and people-centred governance. The Forum expressed appreciation to the APC National Chairman, National Secretary, and members of the NWC for their constructive engagement.

The meeting was attended by APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, and several governors, including those of Plateau, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ebonyi, Sokoto, Kogi, Benue, Taraba, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, and Lagos States, among others.

In recent months, the APC has witnessed a steady influx of governors and other high-profile politicians from opposition parties. Among those who have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. Lawmakers, former governors, ex-ministers, and other political leaders have also joined the ruling party.

President Bola Tinubu and other APC leaders have repeatedly dismissed claims that the defections signal the emergence of a one-party state, insisting that the APC remains inclusive and open to all Nigerians, while committed to democratic competition and institutional growth.