Bolaji Abdullahi, the Spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has significantly downplayed the political impact of recent defections by state governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In an interview on Arise News Channel’s ‘Day Break’ breakfast show, Abdullahi asserted that the outcome of the 2027 elections will be primarily determined by voters, not by political officeholders or elite party switches.

Abdullahi challenged the conventional wisdom regarding the influence of governors in Nigerian elections, describing it as “overrated.” He pointed to recent electoral history, particularly the 2023 general election, as clear evidence that incumbency and strong elite backing do not automatically guarantee victory at the polls. He noted instances where governors who had served for eight years still lost subsequent elections in their own states.

To support his argument, Abdullahi cited specific examples from the 2023 elections. He highlighted Delta State, where a sitting governor who was also a vice-presidential candidate ultimately lost the state. Similarly, he mentioned Borno, an APC-controlled state, which was also lost, and even Lagos State, the home state of the current president, experienced a loss. These examples, according to Abdullahi, demonstrate that election results often contradict expectations, despite strong ruling-party structures and the presence of sitting governors.

The ADC spokesperson further suggested that the widespread defection of governors to the APC is a calculated strategy. He believes its primary aim is to project an image of dominance and to instill fear and resignation among opposition supporters, thereby creating the perception that the political landscape is entirely controlled by the APC. However, Abdullahi strongly countered this narrative, emphasizing that while governors may switch parties, the electorate does not necessarily follow suit.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Abdullahi maintained that critical issues such as worsening insecurity, widespread hunger, and prevailing economic hardship will be the true determinants of voter behavior. He posited that these socio-economic challenges, rather than party affiliations or defections among political elites, will ultimately shape how Nigerians cast their votes.