21 first-term APC governors hold crucial closed-door meeting in Kebbi

Twenty-one first-term governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday converged on Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, for a crucial closed-door meeting amid growing concerns over insecurity, governance challenges and political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The high-level meeting, taking place at the Kebbi State Government House, has attracted governors from across the country’s six geopolitical zones, making it one of the most significant gatherings of APC governors since the conclusion of the party’s last round of primaries.

Although officials kept the agenda away from the public, reliable sources familiar with the deliberations told Blueprint that discussions are expected to centre on the worsening security situation in several states, economic and governance issues confronting sub-national governments, the aftermath of the APC primaries and the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The meeting is believed to have been convened at the instance of the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, who is hosting his colleagues.

Governors arrive for strategic consultation

The meeting brought together governors serving their first terms in office under the APC, many of whom are confronting similar governance and security challenges in their respective states.

Among those in attendance are the governors of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Niger and Plateau states. Blueprint reports

Others include the governors of Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Ondo and Ekiti states.

The gathering reflects the growing culture of consultation among APC governors as they seek to harmonise positions on issues affecting governance and national development.

Political observers noted that although the meeting is not that of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, its composition makes it particularly important because it brings together governors who are still navigating their first terms in office and are expected to play critical roles in shaping the ruling party’s future.

Security expected to dominate discussions

One of the major issues expected to dominate deliberations is the worsening security situation in many parts of the country.

Several of the represented states have, in recent months, experienced persistent attacks by bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups, resulting in the displacement of communities, destruction of property and loss of lives.

North-West states such as Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi have continued to battle armed banditry and kidnapping, while Plateau and Benue have witnessed recurring communal violence and attacks on farming communities.

Governors from other parts of the country have also faced varying security challenges ranging from cult-related violence to oil theft, piracy and communal clashes.

Sources said the governors are expected to exchange ideas on improving collaboration with federal security agencies, strengthening community policing initiatives and exploring practical measures that could enhance intelligence gathering and rapid response to security threats.

Governance and economic pressures

Beyond security, the meeting is also expected to review the economic realities confronting state governments.

Many states have continued to grapple with rising infrastructure costs, increasing wage obligations, pressure on internally generated revenue and growing demands for improved healthcare, education and social services.

Governors are therefore expected to compare experiences, share best practices and identify strategies for improving service delivery despite prevailing economic constraints.

Insiders said discussions may also touch on agriculture, youth empowerment, industrial development and measures aimed at attracting private sector investments into the states.

The governors are believed to be interested in identifying areas where interstate collaboration can accelerate economic growth and improve the welfare of citizens.

Political calculations ahead of 2027

Perhaps the most closely watched aspect of the meeting is its political significance.

Although no official confirmed that the 2027 elections form part of the agenda, sources within the Government House indicated that the governors are expected to discuss developments within the APC as preparations gradually begin for the next electoral cycle.

The meeting comes amid increasing political activities across the country, with consultations, alliances and realignments already gathering momentum among political actors.

Party insiders believe first-term governors will play a pivotal role in determining the APC’s electoral strategy, candidate selection processes and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 polls.

Analysts also expect discussions on maintaining unity within the party following the fallout from previous primaries in some states, where internal disagreements created divisions among party members.

Strengthening internal cohesion is widely seen as essential if the APC hopes to retain its dominance in key states and remain competitive nationally.

Importance of first-term governors

Political analysts say the meeting highlights the growing influence of first-term governors within the APC.

Unlike their second-term counterparts who may be approaching the end of their constitutional tenure, first-term governors are expected to remain active political players well beyond the 2027 elections.

Their collective decisions on governance, party administration and political strategy could therefore have lasting implications for the future direction of the ruling party.

Observers also note that the governors control significant political structures in their respective states and are expected to play central roles in mobilising support for APC candidates during future elections.

Communiqué expected

As of the time of filing this report, deliberations were still ongoing behind closed doors, with journalists denied access to the meeting venue.

Officials at the Kebbi State Government House also declined to disclose details of the discussions, insisting that a formal communiqué would be issued after the meeting.

Political stakeholders across the country are expected to pay close attention to whatever resolutions emerge, particularly on national security, governance reforms and the party’s roadmap towards the 2027 general elections.

With insecurity and economic challenges continuing to dominate national discourse, the outcome of the meeting is likely to attract widespread interest among Nigerians seeking practical solutions from the country’s political leadership.

The gathering underscores the APC’s efforts to deepen consultation among its governors while fostering a coordinated approach to governance, policy implementation and political strategy as the nation gradually moves towards another election cycle.