There are strong signals that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is preparing to welcome a new wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly from within the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Several prominent opposition figures are reportedly in advanced talks to join the APC in the coming weeks.
This development comes in the wake of the defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, along with former Governor and 2023 PDP vice presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, and other key PDP members from Delta State. Their move has further fueled speculation of a broader political realignment.
More PDP Governors, Lawmakers Set to Join APC
According to sources within the APC who spoke to Daily Sun, the party is expecting at least 20 federal lawmakers and additional PDP governors to defect soon.
“When Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom publicly declared support for President Tinubu’s re-election, it signaled a shift. Now we’ve seen Delta’s governor and his predecessor cross over to the APC. Within weeks, more governors and lawmakers will follow,” an APC insider stated.
“The PDP is falling apart. These defections are just the beginning,” the source added.
Reports suggest that the impending defections stem from a quiet agreement between President Bola Tinubu and several PDP governors, many of whom are said to have pledged support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Defections Spark Crisis Within PDP
The defection of high-ranking PDP leaders has triggered an internal crisis and sharp criticism within the party. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the defections, saying:
“Freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy—they are fundamental rights. Undermine them, and democracy itself begins to crumble.”
Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, expressed disbelief:
“It is shocking that leaders elected under the PDP umbrella would defect to an unorganised party. It is a betrayal of trust.”
Meanwhile, PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, described the defections as unfortunate but downplayed their impact on the party’s electoral prospects.
“We are not shaken. The 2027 general election will be between President Tinubu and the Nigerian people. The number of governors a party controls doesn’t determine victory,” Damagum stated.
Analysts Warn of Political Realignment Ahead of 2027
Political analysts suggest these moves could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, reinforcing the APC’s dominance as the country heads toward the 2027 general elections. The defections may further weaken the PDP’s standing unless the party can manage internal divisions and rebuild public trust.
With PDP unity under strain and APC consolidating its base, the coming months could prove pivotal in determining the trajectory of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
