By Abdulmajeed Abdullateef – April 24, 2025
A political storm is sweeping across Nigeria’s South-East and South-South, reshaping the country’s political landscape. With high-profile defections rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s grip on power appears to be tightening ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a significant shift that could alter the outcome of the 2027 elections, several governors and political heavyweights from the South-East and South-South zones have dumped the PDP for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling growing support for President Tinubu’s administration.
Among the latest to defect are Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. Their decision follows that of political stalwarts like Chief James Ibori, Senator Ned Nwoko, and several others, cementing APC’s influence in Delta.
The APC now firmly controls three out of six Niger Delta states and two of the five states in the South-East. Political analysts believe this is a strong foundation for Tinubu’s potential re-election in 2027.
In Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno recently expressed public support for President Tinubu, hailing his leadership and commitment to national development. At the inauguration of a major highway project, Eno declared, “We will stand by our President. He deserves to finish his eight years.”
However, Akwa Ibom’s Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, clarified that Governor Eno’s endorsement was not an indication of defection from the PDP but a strategic move to foster federal cooperation and drive state development.
In Rivers State, speculation is rife over Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s next political move following his meeting with Tinubu in London. Although suspended from office after the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers, sources hint that Fubara may soon join APC as part of a political reconciliation effort.
Delta’s mass exodus from the PDP was confirmed after a stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba. Charles Aniagwu, the state’s Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads), said the shift was necessary to ensure continuous development, stating, “When the taste of palm wine changes, the drinking pattern must change.”
Senator James Manager, a PDP founding member, admitted that internal crises within the party made defection inevitable. “We can’t remain in a sinking ship,” he said.
The defection wave also swept through Enugu State where over 150 PDP and Labour Party members, including prominent aspirants and chieftains, officially joined APC. This move, insiders say, is aimed at reinforcing Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the region.
Ebonyi State witnessed similar shifts, with ex-Senate President Pius Anyim and former PDP state chairman Ifeanyi Nworie crossing over to the APC, describing the move as necessary to keep Ebonyi united under one political family.
In Abia, Prince Chidi Ogbulafor also joined APC, while speculations grow over former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s potential defection, influenced by his ties with Minister Nyesom Wike.
Wike himself praised the wave of defections, particularly Okowa’s, noting that it validates his refusal to support Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 elections. “Their decision is a recognition of Tinubu’s good governance,” he said.
Despite the wave, PDP elder statesman Bode George slammed the defections, warning against efforts to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. “The presidency is using state instruments to coerce our governors,” he alleged, urging Deltans to remain loyal to PDP.
Dele Momodu echoed the sentiment, accusing defectors of using EFCC probes as a cover for their decisions.
As the 2027 race inches closer, Nigeria’s political field is clearly being redrawn—one defection at a time.
What do you think these defections mean for Nigeria’s democracy? Will this pave the way for a one-party state or a stronger opposition comeback? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned to NIGPOST for more updates.
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