In Nigeria, several governors from opposition parties are considering a move to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) before the 2027 general elections, Daily Trust reports.
This development follows the recent defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, sparking talks that others may soon follow.
Governors from Kano, Osun, Plateau, Enugu, Rivers, Taraba, Akwa Ibom, and Zamfara, most of whom are currently serving their first terms and planning to seek re-election in 2027, are reportedly weighing their options.
Their decision may be influenced by the need for stronger political backing from the central government.
On the other hand, Abia State’s Governor Alex Otti appears less likely to switch sides, given the Labour Party’s growing popularity in his state.
In a different case, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umar Fintiri, now serving a second term, is also said to have been approached by APC leaders, offering him party support ahead of future elections.
Sources revealed that many opposition governors feel stranded within their weakening parties and see the APC as a safer path for their political future.
The weakening of opposition parties has left many governors without the strong support structures that were once available. With internal conflicts tearing through these parties, many governors are left wondering who would stand by them if they encounter political trouble.
Some believe that joining the ruling party is the only way to protect their political ambitions, as seen with the recent wave of defections.
There are also reports that the APC’s strategy aims to prevent a repeat of 2015, when a strong coalition of opposition parties succeeded in unseating the ruling party.
Since governors control much of the political machinery in their states, attracting them to the APC could solidify the party’s hold on the country before the elections.
Delta State Governor Oborevwori’s decision to switch camps was largely driven by the need to secure his political future after many of his supporters, including former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, left the PDP.
Initially, the APC planned to pull all opposition governors into their camp, but their new focus is mainly on governors seeking a second term, as they are considered more vulnerable.
In Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno recently voiced support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term agenda, pointing to major infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Although he still belongs to the PDP, his public show of support for Tinubu has raised suspicions that he may be planning to join the APC.
Some believe Eno is under heavy pressure to switch, especially with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, pushing to secure Akwa Ibom for the APC in 2027.
However, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, stated that Eno’s backing of Tinubu is for development reasons, not political loyalty.
In Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke’s situation also raises eyebrows. Adeleke battled hard to win the 2023 election and initially showed loyalty to the PDP.
But following a Supreme Court ruling that reinstated sacked local government chairmen, concerns have grown about his hold on power.
The appearance of new billboards showing Adeleke alongside President Tinubu is seen by some as a possible hint at future alignment.
However, his next move is uncertain, especially since former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, now Minister of Blue Economy, may seek another shot at the governorship under the APC banner.
In Plateau State, Governor Caleb Muftwang is reportedly under pressure to leave the PDP.
Despite leading a state assembly dominated by APC members, Muftwang seems to lean heavily on the support of former governor Jonah Jang.
The PDP’s leadership in Plateau insists that the party remains firm and that rumors of Muftwang’s defection are unfounded.
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas is also at the center of defection rumors. Even though his friendly reception of the First Lady during a visit raised questions, sources close to him dismiss talks of any planned move to the APC.
They say Taraba will continue to back the PDP.
In Kano, the situation is a bit more complicated. While there are talks between the APC and former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, it is believed that Governor Abba Yusuf will likely stay with his current party to retain his strong base of support, even if a deal is struck for President Tinubu to carry the state in the presidential race.
In the Southeast, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah is said to still be considering his future. Meanwhile, the APC is working hard to gain control of a third state in the region after recent successes.
In Zamfara, Governor Dauda Lawal appears unlikely to defect, despite the fact that former governor Bello Matawalle, now a minister, continues to control the local APC structure.
In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s political future hangs in the balance amid reports of a secret meeting with President Tinubu. Sources claim he might eventually align with the APC, depending on his willingness to reconcile with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
His future, including his chances of completing his term, may depend on how well he manages these political pressures.
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