Ahead Of 2027 Polls, Speculation Grows Over Possible Defections Of Five Governors To APC

As the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins, there are increasing rumors suggesting that five first-term governors are considering defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reports from LEADERSHIP suggest that governors from Abia, Enugu, Delta, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States are under pressure to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

These governors—Alex Otti (Abia, Labour Party), Peter Mbah (Enugu, People’s Democratic Party, PDP), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta, PDP), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers, PDP), and Umoh Eno (Akwa Ibom, PDP)—have been at the centre of political debates about party loyalty and survival strategies.

These rumors have raised concerns about potential shifts in party allegiance as they prepare for re-election campaigns in the next few years.

Political Pressure and Uncertainty in Party Loyalty

Political insiders reveal that the ongoing internal crises within the governors’ respective parties may be contributing to discussions about potential defection.

These leaders have reportedly been approached by members of the APC, who are subtly pressuring them to join the ruling party.

However, other sources suggest that some governors, worried about instability within their own parties, may be looking for a more secure platform to secure a second term in office.

The situation reflects a broader trend in Nigerian politics since the return of democracy in 1999, where over 20 sitting governors have switched parties.

States like Sokoto, Imo, Abia, and Adamawa have seen multiple defections in recent years. While some first-term governors successfully secured second terms after switching parties, others did not fare as well.

Abia State: Otti’s Political Journey Raises Questions

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, a member of the Labour Party (LP), has faced growing speculation regarding his loyalty to his party.

His use of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) for the local government elections in 2024 raised eyebrows.

His ties to the APC became more apparent after the groundbreaking ceremony for Abia’s new airport, during which Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo hinted at a possible return of Otti to the APC.

Further fueling these rumors, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, was said to have been exerting pressure on Otti to make the switch.

Additionally, several Labour Party members of the House of Representatives have already joined the APC, intensifying speculation about Otti’s future political affiliations.

However, a top member of Otti’s administration dismissed these rumors, arguing that despite political maneuverings, Otti’s performance in office has elevated him to a position of influence within the state.

“Like a beautiful bride, it is possible that some opposition parties might be wooing him to join them. Such moves are not out of place in our clime,” the official asserted.

However, the story is different in the Labour Party where most of the members feel the governor sidelined them “in all ramifications after climbing on our back to victory.”

According to a reliable source in the party, securing the party’s ticket for 2027 might be an uphill task for Otti “so, the earlier he starts looking elsewhere perhaps the better for him.”

“I’m not aware whether he has indicated interest to participate in the ongoing membership revalidation in the party,” the source added.

Enugu State: Governor Mbah Denies Defection Rumours Amid PDP Instability

In Enugu, speculation about Governor Peter Mbah‘s possible defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been fueled by ongoing disruptions in the party’s national politics.

While some insiders suggest that Mbah may seek an alternative platform to avoid distractions from internal party conflicts, official sources within the PDP maintain that there is no truth to these claims.

The PDP spokesperson in Enugu, Uchenna Obute Udi, has vehemently denied allegations that the governor or other party members are considering a move to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP Friday in Enugu, Udi described the defection rumours as baseless and clarified that Mbah remains committed to the PDP.

Highlighting the governor’s leadership and rapid progress in the state, Udi praised Mbah for his significant infrastructural development initiatives, which have positively impacted the state regardless of party affiliation.

He also emphasized that the governor continues to enjoy widespread support from the people of Enugu State, cementing his position as a key figure in both the PDP at the state level and in the broader Southeast region.

Addressing the visit of President Bola Tinubu to Enugu, Udi pointed out that the president’s trip was not politically motivated but aimed at recognizing Mbah’s achievements as governor.

The president’s remarks during his visit underscored his recognition of Mbah’s work, irrespective of party lines, further dispelling rumors of any looming defection.

Rivers State: Fubara’s Uncertainty in the PDP

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has also been linked to potential defection.

Speculation intensified after his involvement with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for local government elections, amidst his struggle to assert control over the PDP’s structure in the state.

The ongoing political dynamics in Rivers, particularly his inability to fully take charge of the PDP, have led many to speculate that Fubara could join the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

Rivers State’s Commissioner for Information, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, dismissed these rumors, firmly stating that Fubara has no intention of leaving the PDP.

He referred to the ongoing discussions as mere speculation with no basis in fact.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP Friday in Port Harcourt, Johnson said: “Rumour is rumour and will remain in the realms of rumour. I am not aware of such a move.”

Akwa Ibom State: Eno’s Alleged Ties to APC Leadership

Governor Umoh Eno of Akwa Ibom State has been another focal point of defection rumors. His close relationship with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a key APC figure, has raised concerns about the governor’s political loyalty.

While no official announcement has been made, these ties have led to suspicions that Eno may eventually join the APC, particularly with APC’s attempts to strengthen its presence in opposition-controlled states.

The Akwa Ibom PDP has strongly refuted these allegations, calling them unfounded rumors.

The state’s party leadership, under Elder Aniekan Akpan, has consistently dismissed such reports as baseless speculation created by the sources spreading them.

Akpan emphasized that “PDP is akin to a religion in Akwa Ibom,” further asserting that “PDP is Akwa Ibom, and Akwa Ibom is PDP.”

However, within the party, some members acknowledge the growing influence of APC figures, particularly President Bola Tinubu, who is known for his political maneuvering to weaken opposition strongholds.

“Tinubu is not like Buhari, who appeared apolitical throughout his presidential stint.

“Tinubu is an ardent, suave and alluring politician with massive Machevellian attributes of the end justifying the means. So he will not spare anything to capture Akwa Ibom.

“Surviving to emerge the winner of the 2023 presidential election against all odds, the President would want to dismantle all perceived obstacles by wooing some of the remaining opposition states, especially Akwa Ibom, that they had over the years longed for, into the APC.

“They had done it in Edo and Ondo states, so the complimentary dispositions by Governor Umo Eno, and the Senate President could be a pointer to the likely defection of the governor to crumble and further weaken the opposition structure in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the PDP stalwart in Uyo told LEADERSHIP Friday.

Delta State: Oborevwori’s Alleged APC Ties and the PDP’s Reaction

In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has also been accused of secretly aligning with the APC.

Concerns have grown since a group of PDP leaders in the state accused the governor of holding discussions with APC figures, including President Bola Tinubu’s chief of staff, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

These allegations have been fueled by Oborevwori’s apparent willingness to collaborate with APC leaders, raising questions about his intentions ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, Oborevwori’s spokesperson, Sir Festus Ahon, vehemently denied these claims, calling them a fabrication by opposition members attempting to destabilize the PDP.

The state chapter of the PDP also condemned the allegations, labeling them as part of a wider scheme to tarnish the governor’s image.

PDP Leaders React to Defection Speculations

Despite the mounting rumors of defections, the PDP has consistently denied any validity to the claims. Party spokespersons in Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states have all publicly stated that their governors remain committed to the PDP.

Enugu’s PDP spokesperson, Uchenna Obute Udi, emphasized that Governor Mbah is dedicated to transforming the state, and dismissed suggestions that he might leave the party.

Similarly, Akwa Ibom’s PDP leadership has repeatedly refuted claims about Governor Eno’s potential defection.

In Delta, the PDP’s official response to the accusations against Oborevwori was clear and emphatic, denouncing the rumors as baseless.

The party’s leadership reiterated that these rumors were being propagated by disgruntled elements seeking to sow discord within the PDP.