The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has predicted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will control 30 states across Nigeria by 2026, citing an ongoing wave of defections by opposition governors and political leaders to the ruling party.
Idris made the statement 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-governed states.
The meeting, held at the Government House Multipurpose Hall, focused on strengthening communication links between federal and state governments under the theme, “FGN–PGF Synergy 2025: One Message, One Future.”
According to the Minister, the increasing defections reflect growing confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He said the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” has fostered inclusive governance, stabilised the economy, and enhanced investor confidence.
“Presently, our great party, the APC, controls 24 states. With the number of opposition governors showing interest in joining us, I can assure you that by 2026, we will have 30 APC-controlled states as we approach the 2027 general elections to re-elect President Tinubu for a second term,” Idris said.
The minister commended President Tinubu, the military, and other security agencies for their contributions to restoring peace and rebuilding the North-East.
He also praised Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, for his administration’s resilience and reconstruction efforts following years of insurgency.
“Borno State is clearly Nigeria’s most resilient state against the backdrop of the severe challenges it has faced in the last decade. The people of Borno deserve praise for their steadfastness and ability to overcome adversity,” Idris stated.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum, Mr Folorunso S. Aluko, said the Forum had initiated the PGF Value Reorientation Campaign to promote civic participation and strengthen the credibility of APC-led states.
“Our Commissioners for Information have continued to harmonise narratives, refine public engagement, and project the performance of APC-governed states as the productive arm of the party,” Aluko said.
Declaring the meeting open, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by his deputy, Dr Umar Kadafur, said the event’s choice of venue was significant, given Borno’s transformation and recovery journey.
“Our story is one of recovery and hope — from rehabilitating communities and reconstructing schools to revitalising our agrarian economy,” he said.
Governor Zulum highlighted the state’s 25-Year Development Plan and 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative, which he described as blueprints for lasting peace, inclusive growth, and sustainable prosperity. He urged information commissioners to use strategic communication to build public trust, encourage civic participation, and counter misinformation.
The meeting concluded with an inspection tour of key federal and state projects in Borno, including the Solar Power Plant at the University of Maiduguri, the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport upgrade, the Maiduguri Mega Power Plant, Tinubu Mega School, and newly constructed flyovers at Customs, West End, and Borno Express.
