While some opposition figures use ” Mass Exodus” to describe internal friction, the term is currently being dominated by the ruling party to describe a mass influx of opposition leaders into the APC.
​Contrary to a “departure,” the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) is currently celebrating what Vice President Kashim Shettima recently called a “gale of defections” from the opposition into the ruling party.
In a latest move on March 24, 2026, Governor Lawal defected to the APC. VP Shettima received him in Gusau, declaring that there is now “no opposition in Zamfara State.”
On March 23, Governor Fintiri formally defected from the PDP to the APC. This is considered a massive blow to the opposition in the North-East. In late 2025, Governor Mbah also moved to the APC, signaling a significant shift in the South-East political map.
In March 2026, 12 members of the House of Representatives defected to the APC, further cementing the party’s supermajority in the National Assembly.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has seen a massive boost this week as high-profile opposition leaders defected to the APC.
Vice President Kashim Shettima formally received Governor Fintiri and his supporters into the APC in Yola. Fintiri cited alignment with President Tinubu’s policies as his reason for leaving the PDP.
All eyes are on the upcoming APC National
Convention scheduled for this weekend. It is being seen as a “litmus test” for the party’s internal democracy and will likely set the stage for the 2027 general elections.
While the party is growing in numbers, there have been notable “exits” or internal shakeups that some critics label as an exodus of the party’s founding “legacy” members:
Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje resigned as National Chairman in mid-2025, sparking a period of internal maneuvering over the party’s direction.
There is ongoing tension regarding the 2027 zoning formula. Some stakeholders have threatened to leave if the current power-sharing agreement is altered.
Some grassroots members have expressed dissatisfaction due to the “Renewed Hope” economic reforms, leading to localized resignations at the ward levels.
With the 2027 General Elections now scheduled for February 20, 2027, the “mass exodus” narrative is a key battleground for public perception.
