Nigeria’s political environment has been experiencing notable shifts, particularly with several prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crossing over to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Naturenex gathered that these political movements have cut across various states and levels of government, pointing toward an evolving landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Following the defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, from the PDP to the APC, there’s growing speculation that more governors from opposition parties might either be weighing their options or being pressured to follow suit.
A considerable number of these governors are currently serving their first term and will likely seek re-election in 2027, a pursuit which may depend on securing backing from the central government.
Governors from states like Kano, Osun, Plateau, Enugu, Rivers, Taraba, Akwa Ibom, and Zamfara are reportedly among those whose political futures are now subjects of interest.
Notably, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, appears to be an exception in this group. The Labour Party stalwart remains focused on consolidating the party’s hold in the state, with strong ties to its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Meanwhile, in a surprising twist, reports indicate that even a second-term governor — Adamawa State’s Ahmadu Umar Fintiri — has allegedly been approached by APC leaders with overtures of defection.
According to a report by Daily Trust, incentives offered to these governors include assurances of nomination tickets and support structures heading into the next election.
Many of these governors are believed to be frustrated by their parties’ waning influence and the absence of strong political figures capable of advocating for them on the national stage.
Opposition Parties Struggling to Hold Ground
A chieftain of one of the opposition parties reportedly told Daily Trust that, unlike in the past when opposition parties boasted solid structures and commanding leaders, the present-day scenario reflects weakened systems and ineffective leadership.
“So if the opposition governors run into trouble, where will they run to? They know that with the ruling party their interests would be protected that is why they’re entering into negotiations with the APC,” the source was quoted as saying.
One key factor driving the APC’s recruitment of governors is the desire to prevent the formation of a unified opposition coalition, reminiscent of the alliance that unseated an incumbent president in 2015.
This strategy is critical because governors typically hold substantial influence over party affairs in their respective states and can rally grassroots support.
Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection, for instance, reportedly stemmed from concerns about retaining his seat amidst the defection of influential allies, including former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
Initially, APC leaders had hoped to persuade all opposition governors to cross over, but now, efforts seem more concentrated on those seeking a second term — politicians who would need federal support given their parties’ internal crises.
According to sources, many of these governors have grown disillusioned about prospects of a credible opposition coalition materializing, as no significant movement has emerged to galvanize support.
Speaking on this situation, the President of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), Professor Hassan Saliu, remarked:
“Let me say that let us be fair to the ruling party. The other parties have their own internal problems. If people are saying that it is the ruling party that is putting fire into PDP, I beg to disagree. PDP has been passing through problems even before President Tinubu came to power.
“In 2022/2023, we saw how they were divided. Was it Tinubu that brought about G5 (a group of five governors)? Of course the ruling party would smile and laugh when the opposition parties are having problems but I think it would be too simplistic to put all the blame on the ruling party,” Saliu asserted.
Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno Sends Mixed Signals
In Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno has drawn attention by recently voicing his support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
The governor attributed his endorsement to Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure initiatives such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway, saying:
“Mr. President has approved and embarked on this audacious project that is set to unlock our economic potentials, especially for coastal communities. This initiative aligns with his Renewed Hope Agenda and deserves to be completed under his leadership.”
The development has raised eyebrows within the PDP, especially considering that the party is expected to present its own presidential candidate in 2027.
Similar circumstances had played out ahead of the 2023 general elections, when five PDP governors openly opposed their party’s flagbearer.
Though speculation suggests Eno is under pressure to defect, Akwa Ibom’s Information Commissioner, Aniekan Umanah, dismissed such claims.
“Governor Umo Eno’s support for President Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio is a strategic act of enlightened state interest aimed at unlocking federal collaboration for the benefit of the people of Akwa Ibom.
“The governor’s recent open endorsement of the president and other key federal leaders is not about partisanship, but a pragmatic step to foster cooperation and attract federal interventions to the state.
“This growing synergy has begun yielding visible benefits and will further facilitate key initiatives like the Ibom Deep Seaport, Ecological Remediation amongst others,” Umanah said.
Osun’s Governor Adeleke Caught In Political Crosswinds
In Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke appears to be navigating a delicate situation, especially following his intense electoral battle with former governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Although Adeleke had been widely viewed as a steadfast opposition figure, recent developments, such as public billboards featuring him alongside President Tinubu, have fueled speculation about a possible defection.
However, multiple attempts to reach Adeleke’s Chief Press Secretary, Olawale Rasheed, for clarification yielded no response by press time.
Plateau’s Muftwang Faces Pressure
Plateau State’s Caleb Muftwang remains the sole opposition governor in North-Central Nigeria, with an APC-dominated House of Assembly to contend with.
Despite rumors of defection, Muftwang is believed to be loyal to former governor Jonah Jang, a major PDP figure in the state.
Plateau PDP chairman, Chris Hassan, recently addressed the speculation, saying:
“We have noted the isolated instances of defections by a few party members to other political parties. Let me, therefore, urge all loyal party faithful to remain calm and resolute. Defections are not new in the political process; however, we are confident that the strength and credibility of the PDP in Plateau State remain unshaken.
“Be assured that the leadership of the party is working assiduously to consolidate our gains and will continue to provide the needed platform for the aspirations of our people. Everything is under control and better days lie ahead.”
Taraba’s Agbu Kefas Rumors
In Taraba State, Governor Agbu Kefas has been the subject of defection rumors, particularly after he warmly received President Tinubu’s wife during her visit to the state.
Yet, close sources to the governor have dismissed the speculations as unfounded gossip.
A confidant reportedly told Daily Trust that Taraba remains firmly within the PDP fold.
Kano: Strategic Alliances
In Kano, insiders claim arrangements are underway for President Tinubu to secure the state’s presidential votes while Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf retains his seat.
Naturenex learned that this outcome would be brokered by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, whose political decisions carry significant weight in the state.
However, even if Kwankwaso defects, sources suggest the governor may not follow suit to protect his political base.
“The deal would be to allow Tinubu win Kano while the governor retains his seat,” a source revealed.
Southeast And Beyond
In the Southeast, where the APC controls two states, Enugu’s Governor Peter Mbah is reportedly weighing his political options. His media aide was unreachable for comments.
Zamfara, Rivers, And Adamawa
In Zamfara, Governor Dauda Lawal is seen as unlikely to defect, given the state’s APC structure remains under former Governor Bello Matawalle, now a federal minister.
In Rivers, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has reportedly held discreet talks in the UK, considering a switch to the APC. His future appears tied to his cooperation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Meanwhile, Adamawa’s Governor Ahmadu Fintiri is viewed as vulnerable due to his strained ties with Atiku Abubakar, though his spokesperson Wonosiko Humwashi insisted:
“As far as we are concerned, we assure the people of Adamawa state that His Excellency, Governor Fintiri, is not leaving the PDP.”
Fintiri remains hopeful about PDP’s ability to rebuild and contest strongly in 2027.
