President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday said he expects more politicians to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that “you don’t expect people to remain in a sinking ship without a life jacket.”
Speaking at the APC Renewed Hope Agenda Summit in Abuja, Tinubu said defections are a normal part of politics, especially as his government’s reforms begin to yield results.
The summit drew the APC’s top brass, including 22 governors, National Assembly leaders, and National Working Committee members, all of whom unanimously endorsed Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for 2027.
“A one-party system is not suitable for democracy,” Tinubu said, “but I am happy with what we have accomplished and expecting more people to come; that’s the game.”
He said tough reforms—including fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and tax reforms—were necessary for long-term economic stability and investment.
“Through our Renewed Hope Agenda, we pledged to tackle economic instability, improve security, reduce corruption, and lift our people out of poverty,” he added.
The President thanked the Federal Executive Council, APC leadership, and the National Assembly for their support.
Imo State Governor and Progressive Governors’ Forum Chair, Hope Uzodimma, moved a motion endorsing Tinubu for re-election, seconded by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas echoed the support.
APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje declared Tinubu the consensus flagbearer, urging party unity and loyalty.
“Let us rally behind President Tinubu and deliver the Renewed Hope Nigerians deserve,” Ganduje said.
