As the 2027 elections approach, there are strong speculations that at least five first-term opposition governors may defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reports indicate that the governors of Abia (Alex Otti), Enugu (Peter Mbah), Delta (Sheriff Oborevwori), Rivers (Siminalayi Fubara), and Akwa Ibom (Umoh Eno) have addressed concerns regarding their rumored intentions to leave their respective parties for the APC. Mbah, Fubara, Eno, and Oborevwori are affiliated with the main opposition party, the PDP, while Otti is part of the Labour Party. Both parties, however, are currently embroiled in internal crises following the 2023 elections.
Some insiders suggest that certain governors are being subtly encouraged to join the APC, while others are considering a switch due to instability within their parties, eyeing better chances for reelection. Over 20 governors have switched parties since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, with states like Sokoto, Imo, Abia, and Adamawa seeing the highest turnover.
In Abia, suspicions about Otti’s loyalty arose when he used the Zenith Labour Party for last year’s local government elections, with recent comments from the Aviation Minister indicating Otti may realign with the APC. Similarly, Fubara’s engagement with the APP for local elections has fueled speculation about him abandoning the PDP.
Governor Eno’s close relationship with APC Senate President Godswill Akpabio has led to further doubts about his commitment to the PDP, while unrest within the PDP at the national level could push the Enugu governor to seek alternative options.
Delta PDP leaders have accused Oborevwori of cozying up to APC figures in pursuit of a second term, especially following the defection of Ibori, a notable figure from the PDP to the APC.
Despite swirling rumors, the governors and their parties have denied any intention of defection, labeling the rumors as tactics by the ruling party to create discord.
PDP representatives from Enugu have specifically refuted allegations against Mbah, highlighting his accomplishments in office. Otti’s administration also claims no such pressure exists regarding his party affiliation, despite some members feeling neglected within the Labour Party.
In Delta, Oborevwori’s office rejected accusations of a potential defection to the APC, describing them as unfounded. Similarly, PDP officials in Akwa Ibom dismissed Eno’s rumored switch, asserting the party’s strong presence in the state.
Officials from Rivers state have stated that Fubara has no plans to leave the PDP, and dismissals of rumors suggest that any assertions regarding these potential defections remain speculative at best.
