Nigeria’s evolving multi-party democracy took centre stage in Abuja, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) held its National Elective Convention, an event that combined political theatre with strategic consolidation of power.
Against a backdrop of party loyalists, 31 state governors, federal leaders and 8,453 party delegates, the gathering underscored the APC’s growing dominance and raised fresh questions about the grossly ineffective opposition politics in the country.
At the heart of the narrative was Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, whose defection to the ruling party in April 2025 has become emblematic of a broader realignment within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Addressing journalists on the sidelines of the convention, Oborevwori framed his move not merely as political reinforcement, but as a calculated step toward strengthening governance through federal alignment.
“The decision to join APC was about connecting Delta State to the centre, and that connection is already yielding results,” he said, pointing to improved fiscal inflows and enhanced capacity to deliver on governance priorities.
Oborevwori highlighted tangible gains such as improved infrastructure development, more consistent salary payments, and renewed contractor confidence driven by better fiscal discipline.
Roads, healthcare systems, and educational institutions are receiving increased attention, reflecting what the governor described as “a government that is now able to effectively plan and execute with clarity.”
Oborevwori, however, cast the development as a vote of confidence in the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as “focused and bold” in navigating complex economic reforms. Indeed, much of the convention’s undertone revolved around the reform agenda of the Tinubu administration.
While acknowledging the economic strain experienced by citizens, APC leaders framed current hardships as the inevitable cost of structural correction. Within that context, state governments now benefit from increased allocations and are repositioned as engines of delivery.
Beyond infrastructure, Governor Oborevwori pointed to improved security in oil-producing areas, a development with both economic and political implications. Stability in the Niger Delta not only boosts national revenue but also reinforces the narrative of effective governance under President Tinubu’s leadership.
