A wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South and South-East geopolitical zones is strengthening President Bola Tinubu’s political foothold ahead of the 2027 elections.
The latest defections include Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and other key PDP stakeholders, signaling Tinubu’s growing influence in the region. The APC now controls three of the six Niger Delta states and two of the five South-East states, with more PDP governors and leaders expected to switch allegiance soon.
In Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno recently declared support for Tinubu’s second-term bid, praising the president’s “visionary leadership.” However, the state government denied rumors of Eno defecting to the APC, insisting his endorsement was for “enlightened state interest” to attract federal projects.
Meanwhile, suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who reportedly met Tinubu in London last week, is also expected to join the APC. This follows the defection of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, his daughter Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, and Senator Ned Nwoko, among others.
In the South-East, about 150 PDP and Labour Party members in Enugu defected to the APC, alongside former Senate President Pius Anyim in Ebonyi and ex-PDP National Chairman Prince Chidi Ogbulafor in Abia.
However, PDP leaders like Chief Bode George criticized the defections, calling them an attempt to impose a one-party system. Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, however, hailed the moves, saying they vindicated his earlier support for Tinubu over Atiku Abubakar in 2023.
The APC welcomed the new members, with spokesman Felix Morka stating that Delta’s defection would help advance Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” The ruling party now eyes further consolidation ahead of the next general elections.
