As Nigeria inches toward the 2027 general elections, the political landscape is heating up with high-profile defections shaking the foundation of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), under the leadership of National Chairman Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has welcomed key figures from the PDP, and more defections are expected.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, recently jumped ship to the APC, signaling a significant blow to the PDP. Ganduje, speaking in Abuja during the reception of Kano NNPP defectors, said more opposition governors would join the APC soon, expressing confidence in the party’s 2027 prospects.
“We are expanding. The governor of Delta State is now in APC with his cabinet and legislators. 2027 is a done deal,” Ganduje stated, crediting President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” for the party’s growing appeal.
Former NNPP Senator Kawu Sumaila and other Kano political heavyweights were among the latest to defect, pledging to deliver their constituencies for the APC.
However, the PDP is pushing back. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum condemned the defections, calling them betrayals of party loyalty. He reminded party faithful that Peter Obi of the Labour Party performed impressively in 2023 without the backing of governors.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki echoed the sentiment, urging disloyal members to exit and allow committed ones to rebuild. “It’s better those who want to leave go now. Politics is a marathon. PDP can still win,” Saraki said, warning against the threat of a one-party state.
Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar’s coalition plans for 2027 appear to be facing internal and external resistance. While the anti-Tinubu coalition claims the defections were anticipated, critics within the PDP, including Segun Sowunmi, argue Atiku should focus on strengthening the party rather than chasing fragile alliances.
Sowunmi, once a staunch Atiku ally, said many of those aligning with the coalition aren’t genuine supporters. “Most of them pretend to support you, but behind your back, they speak otherwise,” he warned on Arise TV.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga mocked Atiku’s coalition as “dead on arrival,” saying defections from his inner circle signal the collapse of his political strategy.
In Oyo, PDP chieftain Bisi Olopoeyan warned defecting governors of long-term consequences and accused President Tinubu’s government of coercing opposition leaders—unlike past administrations. He also blamed Atiku for the party’s woes, linking its decline to his 2015 defection.
Despite the turbulence, PDP leaders in the South-West and Edo State maintain the party remains stable. Sanya Atofarati and Dr Tony Aziegbemi assured members that the party remains united and ready for the challenges ahead.
PDP stalwart Chief Tom Ikimi stressed the importance of sustaining multi-party democracy. “The survival of PDP is crucial for Nigeria’s future. The APC’s one-party ambition must be stopped,” he said.
As both camps regroup, the coming months promise intense political realignment that could redefine Nigeria’s democratic future.
