2027: Defection looms as five opposition Governors may dump parties

As preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections intensify, speculation is rife regarding the potential defection of five first-term opposition governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governors Alex Otti (Abia), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Umoh Eno (Akwa Ibom) have all been linked to these rumors, despite their affiliations with the Labour Party (Otti) and the Peoples Democratic Party (Mbah, Oborevwori, Fubara, and Eno).

Political Realignments and Growing Concerns

While some political insiders suggest these governors are being courted by the APC, others attribute the rumors to internal crises within their respective parties, which could push them toward seeking stability and enhanced political opportunities.

The Labour Party and PDP, the main opposition parties, have faced significant challenges since the 2023 elections. Leadership tussles and factional disputes have further fueled speculation about defections.

Historical Context

Defections among sitting governors are not unprecedented in Nigeria’s political landscape. States like Sokoto, Imo, Abia, and Adamawa have witnessed multiple instances of governors switching parties since 1999.

State-by-State Analysis

Abia State

Governor Alex Otti’s use of the Zenith Labour Party for local government elections in 2023 raised eyebrows. Speculation heightened following the Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo’s comments suggesting Otti’s return to the APC. However, insiders from Otti’s administration and the Labour Party have dismissed these claims, asserting his focus remains on governance.

Rivers State

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been under scrutiny for using the Action Peoples Party (APP) during local elections, allegedly due to his strained relationship with PDP stalwart and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. Despite these challenges, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, debunked rumors of defection, labeling them baseless.

Akwa Ibom State

Governor Umoh Eno’s close relationship with Senate President Godswill Akpabio has sparked talk of a potential APC alignment. However, the Akwa Ibom PDP leadership has vehemently denied such claims, emphasizing the party’s dominance in the state.

Enugu State

Governor Peter Mbah, described as a key figure in the PDP, faces speculation tied to national-level party instability. PDP spokesman Uchenna Obute Udi dismissed the rumors, citing Mbah’s transformative governance and cross-party appeal.

Delta State

Accusations against Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of cozying up to APC leaders have been dismissed by his spokesperson, Sir Festus Ahon, as “lies pushed by opposition elements.” Delta PDP Chairman Chief Solomon Arenyenka also issued a strong rebuttal, calling the rumors a deliberate act of destabilization.

Opposition Responses

Across the board, the affected governors and their parties have maintained a united front, denying any plans to defect. However, political observers caution against outright dismissal of the rumors, given President Bola Tinubu’s reputation for strategic political maneuvering.

Conclusion

As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, these rumors underline the fluid nature of the country’s political dynamics.

While governors and party representatives insist on their loyalty, the coming months will reveal the extent of their resolve amid shifting allegiances and strategic calculations.

Credit: Leadership