Plateau Politics: Is the APC Really Consolidating Power for 2027?

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State recently welcomed a wave of defectors from other parties – PDP, Labour, you name it. Big event, lots of fanfare. The party is touting this as evidence of its growing strength ahead of the 2027 elections. We are talking about former lawmakers, governorship candidates, the whole works. Senate President Akpabio even showed up, signaling the event’s importance.

Essentially, the APC frames this as a move toward greater stability. And they claim that the defections were voluntary, a reflection of people wanting a stronger political alignment. But is it truly that simple?

It’s always worth being a little skeptical of these mass defection narratives. We’ve witnessed similar shifts countless times. Often, these moves are less about ideological alignment and more about positioning for power, influence, or maybe even just survival.

The APC is understandably eager to showcase a united front. They’re highlighting the leadership of their National Chairman, a Plateau native, as a key factor in inspiring confidence. It’s worth noting that leaders promise peace and development, a sentiment echoed by national figures.

Still, past performance isn’t a guarantee of future results. Former Governor Lalong acknowledged previous challenges, and it’s crucial to consider the APC’s track record in the state. Can they truly deliver on promises of stability and development this time around? The proof, as they say, will be in the pudding.

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Kalu, assured residents that their interests would be protected at the national level. The National Assembly says it recognized the decision taken by political stakeholders in the State. Let’s see if those assurances translate into tangible benefits for the people of Plateau State.

Given these facts, the real question isn’t just whether the APC is growing, but why. Are these defections driven by genuine belief in the party’s vision, or by more pragmatic considerations? The answer to that will determine whether this realignment truly strengthens Plateau or just reshuffles the deck chairs. 2027 is a long way off, and a lot can change.

This challenge remains: building a truly united front that addresses the needs of all Plateauans, not just those within the APC tent. That’s a task far bigger than any single defection event.

Keywords: Plateau politics, APC, 2027 elections, party defections, Nigerian politics, Plateau State, political stability, Lalong