By Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu
The terrain of Nigerian politics has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, marked by a wave of high-profile defections that underscore a growing national consensus around a shared vision for progress. At the heart of this shift is the All Progressives Congress, which has emerged as a unifying force, drawing leaders from diverse regions into its fold. This movement is not merely a reshuffling of political allegiances but a testament to the widespread acceptance of the Renewed Hope Agenda, a blueprint for economic revitalization, security enhancement, and inclusive governance that resonates across ethnic and geographic lines. Governors, senators, and representatives from various states have crossed over, signalling their comfort with this agenda and their enthusiasm to contribute to the Progressive Movement, which emphasizes unity, development, and forward-thinking policies. This influx reflects a collective desire to move beyond partisan divides and embrace a platform that promises tangible improvements in infrastructure, education, and job creation, fostering a sense of national purpose that transcends regional boundaries.
In examining this phenomenon, one cannot ignore the parallels with Nigeria’s Second Republic, a period from 1979 to 1983 when the National Party of Nigeria held sway over the political arena, much like the APC does today. During that era, the NPN’s dominance was characterized by its ability to attract influential figures and build coalitions that spanned the federation, creating a semblance of stability amid the challenges of a nascent democracy. Figures like Sam Mbakwe, the charismatic governor of Imo State under the Nigerian People’s Party, played pivotal roles in highlighting the dynamics of opposition and eventual alignments. Mbakwe’s tenure was notable for his fervent advocacy for south-eastern interests, pushing for infrastructure projects and regional equity, yet his interactions with the dominant NPN often revealed the pressures and opportunities of joining a larger movement. The NPN’s strategy involved co-opting regional leaders through promises of development and inclusion, leading to a consolidation of power that mirrored the current APC’s approach. Just as the NPN expanded its influence by integrating diverse voices, the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda has become a magnet for leaders seeking to align with a national progressive ethos, demonstrating that history repeats itself in cycles of political realignment driven by pragmatic aspirations for growth.
The decampings into the APC are particularly illustrative of this comfort level. Governors from states once firmly in opposition strongholds have recognized the potential of the Renewed Hope Agenda to address longstanding issues like poverty alleviation and agricultural reform. Their decisions to join are not opportunistic but rooted in a genuine belief that the Progressive Movement offers the best path forward for their people. This eagerness is evident in the way these leaders articulate their visions, aligning them seamlessly with the APC’s core principles of accountability and innovation. Across the north, south, east, and west, this trend signifies a maturing democracy where ideology trumps tribalism, and the promise of renewed hope galvanizes action. In comparison, the Second Republic’s NPN dominance saw similar patterns, where governors and legislators gravitated toward the ruling party to secure federal resources for state development. Sam Mbakwe, despite his NPP affiliation, engaged in negotiations that underscored the allure of dominant coalitions; his efforts to secure projects for Imo State often required navigating the NPN’s influence, highlighting how opposition figures could find common ground with the prevailing power structure. Today, the APC’s inclusivity echoes this, but with a modern twist, incorporating digital governance and youth empowerment as key pillars of its agenda.
As more governors defect, it becomes clear that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan but a lived reality that various parts of the country are embracing. Citizens and leaders alike see the benefits of policies aimed at sustainable development. This comfort is palpable in the increased investments in healthcare and education under the APC-led administration, which have drawn praise from newly aligned governors who now champion these initiatives in their states. The Progressive Movement, with its emphasis on unity and progress, invites participation from all quarters, making it a natural home for those disillusioned with fragmented opposition.
A landmark development in this gale of defections occurred on January 26, 2026, with the formal decamping of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress. Governor Yusuf, who had previously resigned from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), officially registered as an APC member in a colourful ceremony in Kano, citing the need to strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government, accelerate infrastructural development, enhance security coordination, and improve service delivery across the state. This move was accompanied by 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 Local Government Chairmen, marking a massive realignment that has effectively brought Kano State under APC control. This historic shift from the North-West geopolitical zone further solidifies the party’s dominance and demonstrates the irresistible appeal of the Renewed Hope Agenda even in regions previously seen as opposition bastions.
Congratulating the governors who have joined the APC is essential, as their bold steps exemplify leadership in service of the greater good. To Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, your positions as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Renewed Hope Ambassador have not only strengthened the southeast’s voice within the Progressive Movement but have also consolidated the Renewed Hope evangelism across the six geopolitical zones of the country and ensuring that regional concerns are addressed at the highest levels. Federal representatives from various constituencies have also shown foresight in aligning with a movement that promises renewed hope for all Nigerians.
This wave of defections continues to build momentum, with confidence growing that the few remaining governors, senators, and representatives from various geopolitical zones, especially the Southeast, will soon officially join the Progressive Movement. Their eventual alignment is anticipated with optimism, as the Renewed Hope Agenda’s successes become increasingly undeniable, pulling in those who seek to be part of a transformative national project.
In the Southeast, where historical grievances have sometimes fuelled hesitation, the tangible gains in security, road networks, and economic opportunities under the current framework are shifting perspectives, making the Progressive Movement an irresistible force for unity. Just as in the Second Republic, where figures like Sam Mbakwe navigated complex loyalties to advance their people’s interests, today’s holdouts are likely to recognize the benefits of full integration into the dominant progressive fold. This confidence stems from ongoing dialogues and the visible impact of APC governance, which prioritizes equitable distribution of resources and empowerment across all regions.
With Kano now firmly in the APC fold, it is evident that the Renewed Hope Agenda is fully accepted from North to South. This development underscores a nationwide endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s vision and serves as a confirmed signal of strong support for his re-election in 2027. The Progressive Movement’s appeal lies in its ability to adapt and include, much like the NPN’s dominance facilitated broader participation in national development during the Second Republic. Sam Mbakwe’s era taught valuable lessons about the power of strategic alliances, lessons that resonate today as more leaders embrace the APC. The Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on human capital development, agricultural modernization, and industrial growth has proven effective, encouraging defections that strengthen the party’s capacity to deliver. Various parts of the country, from the coastal areas to the hinterlands, express comfort through these political shifts, eager to harness the agenda’s potential for lasting change. This eagerness manifests in grassroots support and elite endorsements, creating a virtuous cycle of inclusion and achievement.
Furthermore, the comparison with the Second Republic reveals enduring patterns in Nigerian politics, where dominant parties become vehicles for national cohesion. The NPN’s era, despite its challenges, achieved milestones through its wide embrace, and Sam Mbakwe’s contributions, even from an opposition platform, highlighted the inevitability of collaboration in a diverse federation. Today’s APC dominance builds on this foundation, offering a more refined vision through the Renewed Hope Agenda, which addresses contemporary issues like climate resilience and technological advancement. Governors joining the party bring regional expertise, enhancing policy formulation and implementation, while senators and representatives ensure legislative harmony for swift progress.
In essence, the current APC dominance, fuelled by these defections including the significant Kano realignment, clearly indicates widespread comfort with the Renewed Hope Agenda and an eager rush to join the Progressive Movement. This political evolution not only consolidates power but revitalizes hope, ensuring that every region benefits from a shared progressive destiny. The defections are milestones in this ongoing narrative, celebrating leaders who choose nation-building over narrow interests, and anticipating a fully integrated federation under the banner of renewed hope.
As the Progressive Movement expands, its agenda touches lives directly, from empowered youths to thriving farmers, reinforcing the wisdom of alignment. Ultimately, this dominance heralds an era of sustained progress, where party loyalty serves the higher goal of national renewal. With more joinings on the horizon, the Progressive Movement stands poised to deliver even greater dividends, uniting Nigeria in purpose and achievement, and indeed, there would be no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027.
Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu is the National Vice-Chairman (South-East) of the All Progressives Congress.
