20th May, 2025
News desk
Ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential elections, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has ramped up efforts to woo key opposition figures with enticing offers of political positions and influence. These moves have sparked growing anxiety within opposition parties, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Multiple sources confirm that the APC is promising current opposition governors return tickets, succession rights, and legislative nominations, while ex-governors are being lured with ministerial roles. The wave of defections and endorsements has already reshaped the country’s political map, fueling speculation of a looming one-party dominance.
Former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has sounded the alarm, warning that support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid is “an endorsement of failure.” He urged opposition leaders to resist the defection wave and join a unified coalition to challenge the APC’s grip on power.
“The country is at a crossroads,” Atiku declared through his media adviser. “Food inflation is rising, poverty is deepening, and insecurity persists. Endorsing Tinubu is a betrayal of the Nigerian people.”
Meanwhile, the APC has denied allegations of coercion, with National Secretary Ajibola Basiru and Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim insisting that defections are voluntary and driven by President Tinubu’s performance. “Nigerians are impressed by the President’s leadership and are joining our party willingly,” said Basiru.
Prominent defections include Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who officially joined the APC in April. In Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno has endorsed Tinubu for a second term and is widely believed to be on the verge of defecting. Former Governor Udom Emmanuel confirmed during a PDP governors’ meeting that Eno had effectively left the party.
Anambra’s Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has also thrown his weight behind Tinubu, while reports suggest that Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa and others are being courted by the APC. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu recently held a four-hour closed-door meeting with Fintiri, allegedly to seal a defection deal.
At the federal level, the APC has strengthened its hold on the National Assembly. Since mid-2023, at least 38 lawmakers—eight senators and 30 members of the House of Representatives—have defected to the APC. This includes notable PDP, LP, and NNPP members like Ned Nwoko, Senator Adamu Aliero, and Rep. Esosa Iyawe.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele defended the defections, describing the APC as a “government of national unity.” He dismissed concerns about internal instability, saying the party has the capacity to manage the influx.
In response, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba condemned the trend, accusing the APC of weaponizing state power and warning that defectors “will not save Tinubu in 2027.” He added, “This election will not be about party—it will be the Nigerian people versus the APC.”
The NNPP echoed similar sentiments. National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson described the defections as “troubling,” linking them to selfish interests and lack of ideological conviction. “These politicians are crossing over for personal gain, not public service,” Johnson said.
Despite speculation, Johnson maintained that NNPP stalwarts Rabiu Kwankwaso and Kano Governor Abba Yusuf remain with the party. He urged Nigerians to resist “stomach infrastructure” politics and reclaim the country.
Within the APC, insiders revealed that current overtures to governors in the South-South, South-East, and South-West are part of a broader strategy to neutralize northern dissent and secure a pan-national victory for Tinubu in 2027.
The case of Akwa Ibom remains under close watch. While Governor Eno has yet to make a formal announcement, multiple APC sources suggest his defection is imminent, potentially timed with President Tinubu’s upcoming project commissioning visit. Meanwhile, former Governor Udom Emmanuel has refused to leave the PDP, citing principle.
