As Nigeria’s political landscape begins to shift ahead of the 2027 general elections, strong rumors of defection are swirling around five first-term governors from the opposition parties. The governors in question include Alex Otti of Abia State (Labour Party), and Peter Mbah, Siminalayi Fubara, Sheriff Oborevwori, and Umoh Eno of Enugu, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states respectively, all members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Concerns about potential defections have been fueled by the internal crises plaguing both parties and speculations about pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mounting Pressures and Allegiances
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State first raised eyebrows when he used the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) as a vehicle for local government elections. The situation escalated after Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, and Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, openly suggested Otti might join the APC.
In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision to adopt the Action People’s Party (APP) for local elections, following a tussle over PDP’s state structure with Nyesom Wike, has fueled talks of a potential defection. Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom, Governor Umoh Eno’s perceived closeness to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a key APC figure, has sparked similar speculation.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State faces pressures linked to the PDP’s internal turmoil. His refusal to be drawn into the party’s distractions has led some to believe he may explore other platforms to ensure political stability. In Delta, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has been accused by PDP leaders of cultivating ties with APC stalwarts, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, allegedly to strengthen his second-term bid.
Historical Context and Party Responses
Since 1999, over 20 sitting governors in Nigeria have defected to rival parties, with states like Sokoto, Imo, Abia, and Adamawa recording the highest rates of defections. While some governors succeeded in securing re-election after switching parties, others were less fortunate.
Responding to the rumors, the governors have denied any plans to leave their parties, with aides dismissing the claims as fabrications. Opposition parties have also described the speculations as deliberate attempts by the ruling APC to destabilize their ranks. As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the political intrigues surrounding these governors will likely remain a focal point in Nigeria’s evolving political discourse.
