Political Earthquake Looms as PDP Governors Edge Toward APC Ahead of 2027 Elections

As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, a significant political realignment is unfolding, signaling potential upheaval in the nation’s opposition structure. At the heart of this development is a series of high-level defections in motion, with at least three to four governors from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly in advanced talks to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Among the most notable is Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, who has publicly declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition. In what observers describe as a historic move, Eno proclaimed that partisan divides no longer exist in Akwa Ibom, referring to the new political environment as a “unity party” of PDP and APC.

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Political Realignment Reshapes PDP’s Future

Eno’s endorsement of Tinubu has sparked ripple effects, particularly with the reported involvement of Senate President Godswill Akpabio in coordinating the defection. According to insiders, the entire PDP political structure in Akwa Ibom may be mobilized to secure Tinubu’s re-election and support Akpabio’s Senate retention bid. In return, Akpabio has pledged to back Eno’s second-term aspirations.

Speaking on behalf of Akpabio, Saviour Enyiekere, Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, emphasized the gravity of Eno’s move, saying, “We are also going to support you for a second term… You broke a record by being the first opposition governor to declare support for a second term bid of President Tinubu.”

But Eno is not alone. Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Peter Mbah of Enugu State are also reportedly contemplating aligning with President Tinubu. While they remain officially within the PDP, sources suggest both are weighing the political advantages of supporting Tinubu from within or defecting outright.

Meanwhile, suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is caught in a political crosscurrent. Though he previously planned a shift toward the APC, internal crises and Tinubu’s dissatisfaction with his governance style stalled the move. His recent decision to avoid court action against a potential state of emergency in Rivers further signals an alignment with the president’s camp.

Strategic Absences and the PDP’s Waning Grip

The absence of Eno, Oborevwori, and Fubara from the recent PDP Governors’ Forum in Ibadan did not go unnoticed. While deputies represented Delta and Akwa Ibom, Fubara had no presence at all, hinting at growing cracks within the party. Governor Mbah, rumored to have close ties with the presidency, is reportedly considering either a silent alliance with Tinubu or full defection to the APC.

This coordinated shift has left the PDP scrambling. Alarmed party leaders are now in crisis mode, urgently seeking ways to retain their ranks and prevent what could become a mass exodus ahead of 2027. Analysts warn that a lack of decisive action could effectively hand President Tinubu an easy path to re-election.

However, some strategists within the PDP believe the situation is still salvageable. They argue that the governors may be leveraging the threat of defection to gain political advantage and could reconsider if a credible opposition coalition emerges—particularly one led by a strong South-South candidate, where the APC has historically struggled.

Tinubu Courts the North Amid Southern Gains

While strengthening support in the South, Tinubu is also making strategic moves in the North, where his popularity faces resistance. THISDAY reports that a confidential meeting is set for this weekend in London between Tinubu and a prominent opposition leader from Kano State, with Senate President Akpabio facilitating the session. A traditional ruler from the North is also expected to be present.

Additionally, talks are reportedly underway for a follow-up meeting with a former Nigerian president known to wield influence in the North. The APC leadership hopes these engagements will help rebuild trust in Tinubu’s northern base and shore up his 2027 electoral chances.

As the lines between Nigeria’s political parties continue to blur, the stage is set for a fiercely contested and unpredictable election cycle. One thing is clear: the next few months will be pivotal in shaping the country’s political future.