Defection Deluge: Defections Surge: APC Quietly Becoming Nigeria’s Only Game in Town
Story by Tawheed Yakub, Abuja
Nigeria’s political landscape is witnessing a dramatic realignment as more state governors and key figures from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continue to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), deepening fears that the country is sliding toward a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The latest wave of defections has seen Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah officially dump the PDP for the APC, along with members of his State Executive Council. Barely 24 hours later, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri also announced his resignation from the PDP, confirming weeks of speculation about his planned move.
Read also: Enugu governor, Peter Mbah, decamps from PDP to APC
Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, confirmed the governor’s exit, stating that he left the PDP alongside the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, and 21 other lawmakers. Though Diri has yet to formally declare for the APC, multiple party insiders told Neptune Prime that discussions have been concluded for his defection to the ruling party.
With the exit of Mbah and Diri, the PDP now controls only eight states, down from eleven earlier this year. The APC, on the other hand, has tightened its grip with 24 states under its control, while the Labour Party and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) retain Abia and Anambra respectively.
According to party sources, the defection fever is spreading across the South and North, with several governors reportedly in advanced discussions with APC leaders.
Governors Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Alex Otti (Abia), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba) are among those rumoured to be considering joining the APC. However, some of them have publicly denied the speculation.
Governor Otti, in July, dismissed reports of his impending defection, describing them as “false and politically motivated.” He maintained his commitment to the Labour Party, insisting he had not attended or been invited to any coalition meetings.
Read also: Labour Party suspends Senator Kingibe, Gov. Otti, others
Similarly, Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has neither confirmed nor denied rumours linking him to the APC, though he has recently been seen at several national functions with President Bola Tinubu.
Political analysts believe the ongoing defections are part of a calculated effort by President Tinubu to consolidate his hold on power, especially in regions that were previously strongholds of the opposition.
Leaders of opposition parties have expressed concern that Nigeria’s democracy could be imperiled by the relentless weakening of opposition ranks.
Former Vice President and PDP chieftain Atiku Abubakar described the defections as “acts of desperation and personal survival,” warning that “the battle line is drawn” ahead of the 2027 polls.
Likewise, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi said the mass movement into the APC exposes the lack of ideological commitment in Nigeria’s politics. “Those who jump from one party to another are not driven by principles but by personal gain,” he said.
The Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara, warned that the current pattern of defections could “erode the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.” He accused the APC of using “inducement, intimidation, and the power of incumbency” to lure opposition politicians.
Amid mounting losses, the PDP leadership has begun emergency consultations to stop further defections. Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, admitted that the development has unsettled the party but said efforts are ongoing to stabilize its structure.
“If you ask me whether I am concerned about our governors leaving for the APC, I am more than concerned,” Mohammed said in Abuja. “But leadership is a burden. As equals, I cannot determine the decisions of my colleagues, but we are doing a lot of work behind the scenes.”
The PDP is also reportedly considering legal action to challenge the legitimacy of elected officials who switch parties before the end of their tenure, arguing that their mandates belong to the party, not individuals.
Within the ruling APC, the mood is triumphant. Senior party officials confirmed that “more governors will soon join,” describing the defections as “a testament to President Tinubu’s leadership and national integration strategy.”
Read also: APC wins 20 LGAs, PDP claims 3
A high-ranking APC source disclosed that ongoing talks are “at advanced stages” with governors from the North Central and North East, suggesting that the defections could continue well into 2026.
At present, the APC controls 24 of Nigeria’s 36 states, including key strongholds such as Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Cross River, Delta, Imo, and now Enugu. The PDP remains in charge in Oyo, Osun, Rivers, Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, and Zamfara, while Abia and Anambra belong to the Labour Party and APGA respectively.
Political analysts caution that while the APC’s growing dominance may strengthen government stability in the short term, it could weaken democratic competition in the long run.
Dr. Hassan Idayat, a political scientist at the University of Lagos, noted that “a strong ruling party without an equally strong opposition risks turning elections into formalities rather than genuine contests of ideas.”
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