Nigeria’s political landscape is witnessing a major realignment as defections from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) intensify, raising speculation, strategic maneuvering, and internal dissent.
Just days after Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was officially received into the APC, his Akwa Ibom counterpart, Governor Umo Eno, fueled defection rumors with a metaphor likening the PDP to a faulty airplane incapable of reaching his political “destination.”
Although Eno has not formally defected, his comments have sparked concerns within PDP ranks. PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, condemned the move, calling it “disappointing” and urging the governor to focus on electoral reforms rather than political survival.
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s camp is reportedly jubilant, viewing Eno’s likely defection as part of a broader “Lagos-Calabar” strategy to unite the South-South under APC control, with Bayelsa next in line.
Amid growing speculation, PDP stalwart Dele Momodu argued that only a formidable northern candidate could effectively challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, hinting that southern opposition may lack the political weight.
Elsewhere, Senator Abba Moro criticised Atiku Abubakar for failing to provide post-election leadership to unify the PDP, following the loss to Tinubu in 2023. Still, Atiku, through his media aide, reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP and supported the right of others—like Ifeanyi Okowa—to choose their political paths.
Delta State Governor Oborevwori also announced the upcoming formal defection of former Governor James Ibori to the APC, cementing a growing shift of political power in the region.
Despite APC’s gains, former PDP spokesman Kola Ologbondiyan predicted a looming internal crisis within the ruling party, citing factional unrest among APC blocs such as the CPC and ACN.
As political chess moves intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, Nigeria’s opposition appears increasingly fragmented, while the APC seeks to consolidate power—though not without internal cracks of its own.
