There are strong indications that four state governors elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may be considering a defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to a This Day report published on Sunday, April 20, 2025, these governors are said to be seriously exploring the possibility of backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition, even if it means switching political allegiance.
This development comes amid growing internal challenges within the PDP and waning confidence in the party’s ability to regain national relevance. Sources reportedly disclosed that high-level discussions between the governors and top APC figures have advanced significantly.
The governors named in the report include Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, who is currently on suspension.
Although these governors have not publicly announced plans to leave the PDP, their actions and recent remarks have triggered speculations about a potential alignment with the ruling party.
Governor Umo Eno, who recently expressed support for President Tinubu, is said to have made the decision due to concerns about securing his political future. A source quoted in the report suggested that the governor fears his second-term bid might be jeopardized and is making moves to fortify his chances.
Similarly, Governor Oborevwori is believed to be weighing his options carefully. Insiders claim he is open to supporting Tinubu’s re-election but has not finalized his stance, pending the outcome of ongoing negotiations.
Fubara, who has been at the center of political tension in Rivers State, is also said to be evaluating whether to fully endorse Tinubu or defect outright. In his Easter 2025 message, the embattled governor appealed to the people of Rivers to “rally behind Tinubu” and embrace the president’s Renewed Hope agenda.
He further emphasized that “the transformation desired by all is achievable when people act together as one, committed to peace, unity, and progress.”
Legal practitioner and political commentator, Deji Adeyanju, weighed in on Fubara’s message via social media. In a post made on April 19, he described the governor’s statement as “a smart political move.”
“Fubara Easter statement aligning with Tinubu is a smart political move because opposition is dead. Even serving PDP governors who have not been suspended with full immunity are tactically supporting Tinubu’s second term. So, why should Fubara fight?” Adeyanju wrote on X.
The four governors believed to be contemplating either defection or strategic support for the APC are:
- Umo Eno – Akwa Ibom State
- Siminalayi Fubara – Rivers State
- Peter Mbah – Enugu State
- Sheriff Oborevwori – Delta State
