Governors can’t guarantee APC’s victory – Aregbesola

The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that the influx of governors into the party does not guarantee victory in the 2027 general election.

Aregbesola made the remarks while speaking at the launch of a book written by the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC. He said recent electoral outcomes in Nigeria contradict the belief that the number of governors backing a party determines its success at the polls.

“There is this assertion going around which is worrisome, because those of us who are Democrats, they said because 30 governors are supporting a party, and for that reason, that party is going to win the election,” he said.

According to him, historical evidence does not support such claims. “Recent statistics in Nigeria do not support this. But I want the members to know that the last election in this country, and the results from that election, never supports this particular belief,” Aregbesola said.

He cited the 2023 general election to illustrate his point, referencing outcomes in the South-West and South-East regions. “I will use the results from two zones, South West and South East, to puncture this argument that governors define electoral victory for parties,” he said.

Aregbesola noted that despite the dominance of APC governors in the South-West during the last election, the party secured only about 55 per cent of the votes in the region, arguing that voter behaviour and political dynamics extend beyond the influence of state governors.