By Our Correspondent
In a major political realignment that is reshaping Nigerias power structure, several governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2025, dealing a heavy blow to the opposition and strengthening the grip of the APC across key states.
The wave of defections has been linked to deepening internal crises within the PDP and strategic calculations by governors as the country gradually moves toward the 2027 general elections. The developments have sparked intense debate across the political space, with analysts describing the trend as one of the most consequential shifts since the return to democracy.
Among the governors who have crossed over is Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who in April 2025 led a sweeping defection of the PDP structure in the state to the APC, marking a significant turning point in the South South region.
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri followed in November 2025, formally announcing his defection in Yenagoa during a high profile political gathering that underscored the ruling partys growing influence in the oil rich state.
In October 2025, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah also dumped the PDP for the APC, further eroding the opposition partys presence in the South East and raising concerns about its declining national footprint.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara confirmed his defection in December 2025, a move that consolidated the APCs influence in one of Nigerias most politically strategic and economically vital states.
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas publicly declared his intention to join the APC in November 2025, citing political alignment and long term considerations tied to governance and federal collaboration.
Reports also indicate that Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang is set to defect to the APC, a move that would further reduce the number of PDP controlled states if completed.
The cumulative effect of these defections has significantly weakened the PDPs standing, with its number of serving governors shrinking sharply within a single year. Political observers note that leadership disputes internal fragmentation and struggles over party direction have made the PDP increasingly vulnerable to defections.
While the APC has welcomed the influx as evidence of its growing national appeal, opposition voices have warned that the trend could undermine political pluralism and tilt the country toward one party dominance.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the ongoing realignment is expected to have far reaching implications not only for governorship contests but also for legislative and presidential races, setting the stage for an intensely competitive and unpredictable political season.
