Nigeria’s political scene is witnessing major shifts as several prominent figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including a sitting governor, have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Naija News reports that these defections, spanning different states and government levels, signal a larger political realignment in the buildup to the 2027 general elections. Following the recent defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC, more opposition governors are reportedly under pressure to switch allegiance.
Most of the governors considering the move are first-term leaders aiming for re-election in 2027, including governors from Kano, Osun, Plateau, Enugu, Rivers, Taraba, Akwa Ibom, and Zamfara. However, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, aligned with the Labour Party and former presidential candidate Peter Obi, is not among those reportedly contemplating defection.
There are also hints that Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, though serving his second term, has been approached to join the APC. Sources revealed that part of the ruling party’s strategy is to offer opposition governors the promise of nomination support for 2027.
An opposition party leader noted that the weakening of opposition parties has left many governors vulnerable, prompting them to seek protection and political survival through the ruling APC.
This move, observers say, is partly driven by a desire to avoid a repeat of the coalition that ousted an incumbent president in 2015.
For example, reports suggest Delta’s Governor Oborevwori was influenced by the exit of key allies like former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Rather than waiting for an uncertain coalition, many governors are opting to negotiate with the APC to secure their political future.
Professor Hassan Saliu, President of the Nigerian Political Science Association, remarked that PDP’s internal problems, not the APC’s actions, are the primary cause of the defections, noting that the PDP’s divisions have long weakened the party.
In Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid raised speculations of an imminent defection. Though his camp insists the move was a strategy to attract federal support for state projects, many see it as signaling a political shift, especially given Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s influence in the state.
Meanwhile, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke faces uncertainty. After battling hard to win the 2023 election, recent events—such as the Supreme Court reinstating dismissed local council chairmen—have weakened his grip on the state. The emergence of joint billboards featuring Adeleke and President Tinubu has fueled rumors of a possible defection, although his aides have remained silent.
In Plateau, Governor Caleb Muftwang is also rumored to be under pressure to switch sides, despite assurances from the state PDP leadership that he remains committed to the party.
Similarly, in Taraba State, speculation surrounds Governor Agbu Kefas’ political future. While some suggest he may be warming up to the APC, sources close to him deny any such plans, stressing Taraba remains a PDP stronghold.
In Kano, there are reports that former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is holding talks with APC leaders, possibly influencing Governor Abba Yusuf’s political direction. However, insiders believe Yusuf would likely remain with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to preserve his base.
In the Southeast, the APC is eyeing further expansion, with Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah reportedly weighing his options, although no official confirmation has been given.
Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal appears unlikely to defect, as the APC structures remain under the influence of his predecessor, Bello Matawalle.
In Rivers State, speculation suggests that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara may be considering a defection, allegedly following private talks with President Tinubu. His political fate reportedly hinges on his willingness to cooperate with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the ruling APC.
In Adamawa, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s relationship with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains strained, leading to rumors of a possible defection. However, Fintiri’s media aide has firmly denied such claims, insisting that the governor remains committed to rebuilding the PDP for future elections.
Overall, with opposition parties weakened and political uncertainties looming, Nigeria’s political terrain is poised for more realignments as the 2027 elections draw closer.
