High-profile defections from opposition parties continue to bolster the ranks of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Media and Policy to President Bola Tinubu, revealed in a recent television interview that one of Peter Obi’s handlers has already joined the APC, while another handler and a media aide are currently in talks with the party.

Reports indicate that several key members of Obi’s Labour Party (LP) team are considering the switch, further signaling the APC’s growing influence. According to Bwala, "Take, for example, Peter Obi—one of his handlers is with us. The second handler is in talks with us. One of his media spokesmen is in talks with us.”

“Nobody is giving anybody kobo, but because they realise we are not perfect as a government, but our hearts are right, our head is correct, and we are creating a national consensus,” he further said.

A major shift in Nigeria’s political landscape appears to be unfolding ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to draw notable defections from rival parties.

In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, have led a substantial segment of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC.

However, the transition has not been without issues, as reports suggest some of the new entrants are reluctant to fully assimilate, leading to tensions with long-standing party members.

Nationally, the APC has seen the addition of several influential politicians, including former Senate President Pius Anyim, ex-Kaduna State Governor Muktar Ramalan Yero, and Senators Shehu Sani and Suleiman Hunkuyi. Despite these developments, the Labour Party has not released an official statement addressing reports that some of Peter Obi’s close aides are in discussions to join the APC.

Political commentators note that the ongoing wave of defections could impact party stability and significantly influence the dynamics of upcoming electoral contests.