Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, has alleged that five governors elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform are secretly supporting the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Fayose claimed that these governors, while remaining APC members, have pledged financial support for the NDC's electoral operations, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State. Their major concern, according to Fayose, is preventing FCT Minister Nyesom Wike from securing electoral victories for the APC in these areas.
Fayose made these claims while speaking on the growing political realignments and tensions within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. He alleged that the governors have offered N200,000 to polling agents in each polling unit in the FCT and Rivers State to help protect the NDC's votes against manipulation. Fayose also claimed that the governors do not want their identities disclosed due to their membership in the APC. They are reportedly opposed to Wike's influence in the two areas.
The APC Governors' Forum has recently declared that its members will not support any political arrangements that could weaken the party or undermine President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid. The forum's chairman, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state, stated that APC governors will not participate in or endorse any alliance that could adversely affect the party's candidates. This statement comes amid speculation over the political activities surrounding Wike's emerging Rainbow Coalition.
The NDC has intensified its preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, claiming that the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would defeat Tinubu by a wider margin in Lagos than in 2023 if the election is free and fair. The NDC's Lagos Central senatorial candidate, Ladipo Johnson, also stated that the party has strengthened its political base through the alignment of different political groups.
Johnson identified voter intimidation, harassment, and vote-buying as potential challenges ahead of the election. The NDC is reportedly working to address these issues and ensure a free and fair election. Meanwhile, Fayose's claims have sparked reactions within the APC, with many calling for the party to take action against the alleged traitors.
The APC has yet to respond to Fayose's claims, but the party's leaders have emphasized their commitment to winning the 2027 elections. President Tinubu's re-election bid is expected to be a major focus for the party in the coming months. The APC Governors' Forum has reiterated its support for the president and its commitment to working towards a successful election.
The 2027 general elections are expected to be highly competitive, with several parties vying for power. The NDC's growing momentum, coupled with the APC's internal challenges, has set the stage for a closely contested election. As the campaigns intensify, Fayose's claims are likely to continue to generate controversy and debate within the political landscape.
Key points
- Five APC governors allegedly secretly support the NDC ahead of the 2027 elections.
- The governors reportedly pledged financial support for the NDC's electoral operations in the FCT and Rivers State.
- The APC Governors' Forum has declared that its members will not support any alliance that could undermine President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid.
