In a significant political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections, at least four governors from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are in advanced talks to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling growing internal fractures within the PDP.
The realignment comes amid rising tensions in northern Nigeria, where political support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election is reportedly waning. Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State recently made headlines by openly endorsing Tinubu’s second-term bid. At a public event, Eno declared an end to party divisions in his state, referring to a “unity party” between the PDP and APC.
Meanwhile, Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and the suspended Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) are considering whether to back Tinubu’s re-election bid while still remaining in the PDP, or to fully defect to the APC.
Eno’s endorsement effectively aligns Akwa Ibom’s political machinery with the APC, boosting Tinubu’s southern campaign and potentially aiding the return of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio to his role in 2027. In return, Akpabio has pledged to support Eno’s own second-term ambitions.
Insiders say the defection negotiations led in part by Akpabio, have progressed significantly, with promises of mutual political protection and benefits. Governor Eno is said to be seeking immunity for his political benefactor, Udom Emmanuel, currently under EFCC scrutiny, while also ensuring his own re-election prospects.
Sources indicate that President Tinubu has personally met with APC senators to prepare for the governors’ potential crossover. The shift is being seen as a strategic move to consolidate Tinubu’s base amid northern discontent, with 62% of his 2023 votes having come from the region.
Governor Fubara’s defection talks have reportedly stalled due to Tinubu’s dissatisfaction with his crisis management and due to political tensions with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who retains strong APC influence in Rivers.
Delta’s Oborevwori is said to be waiting for formal assurances from APC before making his move, while Enugu’s Mbah, a known ally of the Presidency is weighing similar options.
The defections have sparked concern within the PDP, which is yet to stabilize from past electoral losses. Stakeholders fear a mass exit could cripple the party’s 2027 strategy and weaken any opposition coalition efforts.
Adding to the high-level maneuvering, President Tinubu reportedly held a strategic meeting in London with a key opposition figure from Kano and a northern monarch to shore up support in the region. A second meeting involving a former president is also being planned to solidify northern backing.
PDP leaders are scrambling to respond, with internal debates intensifying over how to prevent the looming exodus. If mishandled, analysts warn the party may suffer a serious blow in the 2027 polls, possibly paving the way for an easy victory for the incumbent, Tinubu.
