Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is on track to control 30 states across Nigeria by 2026, citing a rising trend of defections from opposition parties to the APC.
Idris made this bold projection on Wednesday while addressing the 2025 Quarterly Strategy Meeting of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The event, themed “FGN–PGF Synergy 2025: One Message, One Future,” brought together Commissioners for Information from APC-governed states to strengthen federal-state communication and policy alignment.
“Currently, the APC governs 24 states. With the growing interest from opposition governors to join us, I am confident that by 2026, the APC will control 30 states,” Idris stated.
“This momentum reflects Nigerians’ increasing trust in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and the success of his Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The Minister attributed the political shift to the President’s inclusive governance style, efforts to stabilise the economy, and improved investor confidence.
He emphasized that these gains are encouraging opposition leaders to switch allegiance to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, where Tinubu is expected to seek a second term.
Idris also praised security efforts in the North-East, crediting the military and other agencies for restoring relative peace in the region.
He specifically lauded Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State for his administration’s reconstruction and resilience programs.
“Borno is Nigeria’s most resilient state. Despite years of insurgency, it continues to rebuild stronger. The people and leadership deserve commendation,” he said.
Also speaking at the meeting, Folorunso S. Aluko, Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum, highlighted the Forum’s ongoing Value Reorientation Campaign, aimed at enhancing civic responsibility and trust in APC-led states.
“Our Information Commissioners play a key role in harmonising our messaging, promoting transparency, and showcasing the achievements of APC state governments,” Aluko noted.
The host governor, Babagana Zulum, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Umar Kadafur, welcomed participants and emphasized the symbolic importance of Borno as the meeting venue.
He outlined the state’s ambitious 25-Year Development Plan and 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative, which he described as blueprints for inclusive growth, long-term stability, and prosperity.
“Our story is one of recovery and renewed hope, from rebuilding schools and communities to revitalising agriculture and infrastructure,” Zulum said.
The strategy meeting concluded with a guided tour of federal and state development projects in Maiduguri.
Key sites visited include University of Maiduguri Solar Power Plant, Muhammadu Buhari International Airport upgrade, Maiduguri Mega Power Plant, Tinubu Mega School as well as Newly constructed flyovers at Customs, West End and Borno Express.
