There are strong indications that more governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Sources suggest that the defections are linked to unresolved crises within the PDP, particularly at the National Working Committee (NWC) level and across some state and zonal structures.
Reports indicate that some PDP governors have been engaging President Bola Tinubu, either by visiting him in Lagos or inviting him to commission projects in their states. These interactions have reportedly paved the way for discussions about potential defections.
Additionally, Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, is said to be playing a key role in persuading PDP governors to join the APC.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has recently come under scrutiny over rumors of his alleged plans to defect to the APC. His recent public statements have fueled speculation. At a state communication workshop in Asaba, Oborevwori, through his Commissioner for Information, Ifeanyi Osuoza, urged Deltans to support President Tinubu’s administration, citing its “Renewed Hope Agenda” as beneficial for the nation.
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This prompted a group of concerned PDP leaders in Delta State to demand clarity. In an open letter signed by Theophilus Ekiyor, Ochuko Oghenekome, and Ezekiel Chukwudi, they expressed their concerns:
“We are deeply troubled by these flying and unconfirmed rumours of your alleged plans to defect to the APC. Your ultimate goal, as pointed out by those close to you, is to obtain approval to join the APC. We demand prompt clarification from you to put us in the picture.”
President Tinubu recently visited Enugu State, where he commended Governor Peter Mbah of the PDP for his leadership style. Speaking during the commissioning of projects in the state, Tinubu said, “I salute Peter Mbah for his commitment to development. You’ve built a solid team, and I’ve reviewed a number of things with you in Abuja. You’ve impressed me with the technological advancements in the state.”
Such remarks have raised eyebrows, as observers speculate that Tinubu’s praise could be part of a larger strategy to lure PDP governors to the APC.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State also met with President Tinubu during the Christmas and New Year celebrations in Lagos. While the visit was described as a seasonal gesture, it has fueled speculation about behind-the-scenes discussions on potential defections.
Political analysts believe the APC is working to expand its influence ahead of the next election. Senator Uzodimma’s alleged role in this effort underscores the ruling party’s determination to consolidate its position.
One analyst noted, “Governors shifting allegiance to the ruling party is not new in Nigerian politics. The APC seems to be leveraging every opportunity to strengthen its position, and PDP’s internal crisis is creating an opening.”