The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has projected that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will control at least 30 states by 2026, following what he described as a growing wave of defections from opposition parties.
Idris made the prediction on Wednesday in Maiduguri while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2025 Quarterly Strategy Meeting of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) for Commissioners for Information from APC-governed states. The two-day event, themed “FGN–PGF Synergy 2025: One Message, One Future,” was held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Borno State Government House.
The minister attributed the rising defections to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said had promoted inclusive governance, driven economic reforms, and stabilized the naira.
“At the moment, our great party, the APC, controls 24 states. With the number of opposition governors indicating interest in joining us, I am confident that by 2026, the APC will be in charge of 30 states as we move towards the 2027 general elections to re-elect President Tinubu for a second term,” Idris stated.
He also commended President Tinubu, the armed forces, other security agencies, and Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for their efforts in tackling insurgency and restoring peace in the North East.
Describing Borno as “Nigeria’s most resilient state,” Idris praised the people for their courage in the face of years of insurgency, displacement, and natural disasters.
“The people of Borno deserve commendation for their steadfastness and ability to overcome adversity,” he said.
In his remarks, the Director General of the Progressive Governors Forum, Mr. Folorunso S. Aluko, announced the launch of the PGF Value Reorientation Campaign aimed at encouraging citizens’ active participation in national development.
“Our Commissioners for Information have continued to harmonize narratives, refine public engagement, and promote the credibility of APC-led states as the performing arm of the party,” Aluko added.
Declaring the meeting open, Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by his deputy, Dr. Umar Kadafur, said hosting the event in Borno was symbolic, considering the state’s recovery and rebuilding strides.
“Our story is one of recovery and renewed hope, from reconstructing schools and rehabilitating communities to reviving our agrarian economy,” Zulum said.
He highlighted the Borno State 25-Year Development Plan and the 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative, describing them as blueprints for sustainable growth, security, and prosperity.
The governor also urged commissioners to deploy effective communication to strengthen public trust, promote civic participation, and counter misinformation.
As part of the event, participants inspected major federal and state projects, including the Solar Power Plant at the University of Maiduguri, the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport upgrade, the Maiduguri Mega Power Plant, the Tinubu Mega School, and newly constructed flyovers at Customs, West End, and Borno Express Junctions.
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