Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has credited President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda for a growing wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the policies as “courageous” and transformative.

The governor made the remarks on Monday during a high-profile ceremony welcoming Senator Ahmed Wadada back into the party.

Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West, rejoined the APC after a stint with the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The event, held in Lafia and attended by party loyalists, underscored the APC’s expanding influence in Nigeria’s North-Central region. Governor Sule presented Wadada with the symbolic broom—the party’s emblem—and pledged equal opportunities for all aspirants.

“I want to specifically congratulate our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is because of the good reforms he is bringing that today, every time the progressive governors meet, we are welcoming another governor into our party,” Sule said. He cited Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah’s recent defection during a Kebbi gathering as evidence of the APC’s growing appeal. “Governors are seeing what is happening in the country and aligning themselves with Mr. President’s policies.”

Wadada, accompanied by supporters from the SDP and other parties, pledged loyalty to Sule as the state party leader. “If the state was not in peace, we would not have been able to be here,” he said, commending Sule’s leadership for creating a conducive political environment. As part of his return, Wadada donated 18 vehicles to APC executives across senatorial zones and local governments to support grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections.

APC State Chairman Aliyu Bello welcomed the influx, assuring a “level playing field” for all contenders, including Wadada’s potential gubernatorial bid. “We have decided to support only credible and popular candidates,” Bello said, praising Sule’s achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security as key drivers of the party’s appeal. “You have provided the needed foundation—that’s why people are coming to contest under our platform.”