Nasarawa Speaker Declares APC the 'Party to Beat' for 2027 Following Major PDP Stakeholder Defection

Nasarawa Speaker Dr. Danladi Jatau welcomes 20+ PDP stakeholders to the APC, declaring the party remains the force to beat in the 2027 elections.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 7:14 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP

Consolidating Political Dominance in Nasarawa

In a significant move that signals shifting political allegiances in North-Central Nigeria, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Dr. Danladi Jatau, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the unrivaled political force heading into 2027. Speaking on Tuesday in Lafia, Jatau hosted a delegation of over 20 prominent stakeholders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). These individuals, primarily of Eggon extraction, have formally indicated their intent to defect to the ruling party, a move the Speaker characterized as a timely and strategic decision that reflects the current political climate in the state.

Promises of Inclusivity and Equal Opportunity

During the reception, Dr. Jatau assured the incoming members that the APC operates on a platform of equity, promising them the same rights and opportunities as existing party faithful. He emphasized that the influx of new talent and leadership from the opposition is a testament to the party's growing appeal. "I will inform the governor and the party chairman of their move, after which they will be received officially," Jatau stated, framing the defections as a major gain that bolsters the party’s readiness for future electoral cycles. He underscored that the APC's "open-door" policy is central to its strategy for maintaining a landslide victory in the 2027 general elections.

Drivers of Political Realignment

The leader of the defecting group, Alhaji Abubakar Company, provided insight into the motivations behind the collective switch. He cited the quality of leadership provided by Governor Abdullahi Sule and the legislative stability maintained by Speaker Jatau as the primary catalysts for their departure from the PDP. According to Company, the developmental strides witnessed across Nasarawa State made the decision to align with the ruling party inevitable. The group pledged to add significant value to the APC’s grassroots mobilization efforts, ensuring that the party’s influence extends well beyond the 2027 horizon.