President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are reportedly strategizing to secure bloc votes from the South and North-Central regions ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Sources within the party said the plan aims to strengthen Tinubu’s chances amid resistance from parts of the North. The strategy, described as a “countermeasure,” has been in motion for over five months and was reportedly developed in response to intelligence suggesting political threats from the core North and opposition coalitions.

Key figures behind the plan include Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; APC Governors’ Forum Chairman, Hope Uzodimma; APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru; and Ikeja Federal Constituency lawmaker, James Faleke.

Northern Resistance
Northern groups, such as the Northern Elders Forum and the Arewa Consultative Forum, have expressed discontent with Tinubu’s administration, citing marginalization in political appointments and development projects. Prominent northern figures, including former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Minister Abubakar Malami, have also mobilized opposition against the President.

In 2023, Tinubu won six northern states with 5.3 million votes, while PDP’s Atiku Abubakar won eight northern states with slightly fewer votes, highlighting the North’s continued importance to Tinubu’s political survival.

Focus on South and North-Central
To offset northern pushback, the APC is reportedly intensifying efforts to consolidate Tinubu’s support in the South and North-Central. Party officials indicated the plan aims to secure all southern states, citing defections of PDP governors as part of this strategy. The party targets flipping previously lost southern states through alliances, elite outreach, and federal influence.

In the North-Central, party leaders claim they are working with the Presidency and APC national secretariat to deliver 80–90% of the votes in the region, engaging with local leaders, youth groups, and religious organizations.

Opposition Reactions
Opposition parties have dismissed APC’s strategy as ineffective. ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi criticized the ruling party for overestimating its strength despite declining popularity and governance concerns. PDP spokesperson Ini Ememobong condemned the move as an attempt to stifle opposition, emphasizing the need for competitive democracy. NNPP’s Ladipo Johnson also warned that governors’ defections alone would not guarantee APC victory, arguing that the outcome will ultimately depend on voter mobilization and turnout.