Nigeria’s Opposition in Crisis as Governors Desert PDP Amid Defection Wave to APC
Concerns are deepening that Nigeria may be drifting towards a one-party state as the once-dominant Peoples Democratic Party struggles to retain its few remaining strongholds following a wave of defections by its governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress. The PUNCH reports that four PDP governors in the North are considering switching to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. The development has sparked fresh anxiety in the opposition party, further weakening the opposition’s structure across the North and raising questions about its future. The PDP, which held the presidency for 16 straight years after the return to democracy in 1999, now governs just eight of Nigeria’s 36 states — Bauchi, Oyo, Adamawa, Osun, Plateau, Taraba, Zamfara and Rivers — its weakest position in the Fourth Republic. With recent defections by some of its key governors, including Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State) and Peter Mbah (Enugu State), attention has turned to states such as Plateau, Taraba, Zamfara, and Adamawa, where speculations are mounting that their governors may soon cross over to the APC. The steady loss of territory — fuelled by defections and political realignments — has emboldened the APC, which continues to attract high-profile converts ahead of the 2027 general elections. In the past months, defections by governors and key party figures have reduced the PDP’s national presence, leaving the opposition battling internal divisions and leadership fatigue. With the PDP now clinging to just eight states, political watchers warn that Nigeria’s democracy risks losing the balance of multiparty competition that has defined its Fourth Republic. Analysts say the recent wave of defections — often driven by access to federal power rather than ideology — undermines opposition accountability and weakens institutional checks. “The ruling APC’s growing dominance is not just about numbers,” said one political analyst. “It’s about perception — that opposition politics no longer pays in Nigeria.” As the 2027 elections draw closer, the PDP faces the toughest test of its existence: whether it can hold its few remaining strongholds or watch them collapse, one by one, under the weight of political expediency. ‘Govs will defect’ The ruling APC hinted at imminent high-profile defections from the PDP and the Labour Party, with at least four governors reportedly in talks to join the party. The APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH. Arodiogbu stated that the governors of Plateau, Taraba, Rivers, and Abia (LP) states were among those being courted by the APC and could defect before the end of the year. “It is a possibility that the Plateau governor will join us likewise his Taraba counterpart. We are also looking forward to receiving Rivers governor, (Siminalayi) Fubara, and Governor (Alex) Otti of Abia State in our midst. “These are all high possibilities. We expect that to happen in the coming weeks before our congresses. Most of these defections are expected to happen before the end of this year. Once they happen, it will further confirm that the APC remains the dominant and most organised political platform in Nigeria,” Arodiogbu stated. The APC chieftain explained that the party’s open-door policy and reform agenda had made it increasingly attractive to key political figures across the country. “The truth is that the APC has become a home for all progressives,” he said. “We are not just expanding in numbers but in quality leadership. Governors and other political leaders are beginning to see that this is the platform that offers stability and direction for Nigeria’s democracy.” Arodiogbu said the leadership of the party had created an inclusive atmosphere that encouraged political participation and dialogue. “The national chairman has made it clear that the APC is not closing its doors to anyone. We are reaching out to people of goodwill who believe in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said. He further stressed that the anticipated defections would strengthen the APC ahead of the 2025 congresses and 2027 elections. Kefas move ‘imminent’ In Taraba, strong indications emerged on Monday that Governor Agbu Kefas may soon abandon the PDP for the APC — a move that could end the PDP’s 26-year uninterrupted rule in the state. Multiple sources within both parties with knowledge of the matter confirmed that talks were already at an advanced stage, with Kefas’ close allies reportedly reaching out to key APC powerbrokers in Abuja. “It’s no longer speculation. Consultations are ongoing, and the governor is weighing the timing carefully,” a senior aide to the governor told The PUNCH. If the move materialises, analysts say it would mark one of the biggest political realignments in Taraba since 1999, giving the governor easier access to federal support for ongoing infrastructure and security projects. An APC insider in Jalingo described the development as “a homecoming long overdue,” saying the governor’s leadership style and grassroots appeal would strengthen the ruling party’s base ahead of 2027. “Kefas is a performer. His coming will only make our structure stronger,” the source said. But within the PDP, unease is spreading. Party loyalists describe the rumoured defection as “a betrayal of mandate” that could decimate the opposition’s hold in the North-East. “If Kefas moves, PDP will be finished in Taraba. He is the only one still holding the structure together,” a senior party member admitted. Although the governor has yet to make a public statement, his close allies say his recent political body language — including increased visits to APC-controlled states and meetings with federal officials — has heightened speculation. For now, Taraba waits, as its 26-year history of PDP dominance stands on the brink of collapse. Fintiri in talks? Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has built a political reputation for thriving as an opposition figure. In 2007, he won his first major election under the now-defunct Action Congress, defeating a sitting member of the state House of Assembly from the then-ruling PDP. Fintiri has since sustained that record, winning the governorship in 2019 and 2023 when the APC controlled the…
