APC Will Control 30 States by 2026, Says Minister Idris

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has expressed confidence that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will govern at least 30 states across Nigeria by 2026, citing the growing wave of defections from opposition parties.

Idris made the prediction on Wednesday in Maiduguri, Borno State, while serving as Special Guest of Honour at the 2025 Quarterly Strategy Meeting of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) for Commissioners for Information from APC-controlled states.

The meeting, themed “FGN–PGF Synergy 2025: One Message, One Future,” was held at the Borno State Government House Multipurpose Hall and focused on strengthening communication and coordination between the federal and state governments.

According to Idris, the ongoing defections reflect rising confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and his Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said has stabilised the economy, promoted inclusive governance, and attracted investor confidence.

“Currently, our great party, the APC, controls 24 states. With several opposition governors already indicating interest in joining us, I can confidently say that by 2026, the APC will control 30 states as we approach the 2027 general elections to re-elect President Tinubu for a second term,” the minister stated.

Idris commended President Tinubu, the Armed Forces, and security agencies for their efforts in restoring peace and rebuilding the North-East, while also praising Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his resilience and post-insurgency recovery initiatives.

“Borno remains Nigeria’s most resilient state despite the challenges it has endured over the last decade. The people deserve credit for their courage and determination to rebuild their lives,” Idris said.

In his remarks, Director-General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Mr. Folorunso S. Aluko, said the Forum had launched the PGF Value Reorientation Campaign to strengthen public participation and enhance the credibility of APC-led governments.

“Our Commissioners for Information are working to harmonise communication, improve public engagement, and showcase the achievements of APC-governed states as the party’s productive arm,” Aluko explained.

Declaring the meeting open, Governor Zulum represented by his deputy, Dr. Umar Kadafur said hosting the event in Maiduguri was symbolic, reflecting Borno’s ongoing transformation and recovery.

“Our story is one of recovery and hope  from rebuilding communities and schools to revitalising agriculture and infrastructure,” Zulum said. He highlighted the state’s 25-Year Development Plan and 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative as frameworks for sustainable growth, peace, and prosperity.

The meeting concluded with an inspection tour of major projects in Borno State, including the University of Maiduguri Solar Power Plant, the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport upgrade, the Maiduguri Mega Power Plant, Tinubu Mega School, and newly completed flyovers at Customs, West End, and Borno Express.