APC Nears Total Dominance in Nigeria’s Political Sphere

APC Nears Total Dominance in Nigeria’s Political Sphere

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has achieved unprecedented political hegemony, now controlling 29 of Nigeria’s 36 states.

This expansion follows a wave of strategic realignments and high-profile defections between 2023 and early 2026. By securing this vast majority, the ruling party has effectively unified state-level administration with federal policy, creating a nearly singular political direction for the country.

In the South-South, the APC has completed a historic 6/6 sweep of the region. The states are led by Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa).

This total control marks the end of the PDP’s long-standing dominance in the Niger Delta, fueled by recent governor defections seeking closer ties with the federal government.

The North-Central zone also reflects total APC consolidation with a perfect 6/6 record. The leadership includes Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger), AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq (Kwara), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau).

This regional unity has streamlined middle-belt security and agricultural initiatives, following political shifts that brought the entire zone under the ruling party’s banner.

The South-East remains the most politically diverse region, though the APC holds a 3/5 majority. While Peter Mbah (Enugu), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), and Hope Uzodinma (Imo) govern under the APC, the opposition retains a strong presence. Dr. Alex Otti (Abia) continues to lead for the Labour Party (LP), and Prof. Charles Soludo (Anambra) remains the sole governor for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

In the South-West, the APC controls 4 out of 6 states through Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo).

The opposition persists with Seyi Makinde*(Oyo) representing the PDP. Notably, Osun State is now under the Accord party following Ademola Adeleke’s late-2025 defection from the PDP to protect his political interests ahead of the next election cycle.

The North-East shows a 4/6 split in favour of the APC, led by Babagana Zulum (Borno), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe).

The PDP maintains a foothold in the region through Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi). The shift of Taraba into the APC column in late 2025 significantly weakened the PDP’s presence in the northern corridors.

Finally, the North-West is nearly a total APC stronghold, holding 6 out of 7 states. The governors include Dikko Radda (Katsina), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Uba Sani (Kaduna), and Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), who transitioned to the APC from the NNPP.

Dauda Lawal of Zamfara remains the lone PDP governor in this zone, as the APC enters 2026 with a commanding national lead.