Wave of Defections Continues as State Governors Join APC
The wave of defections sweeping through opposition parties shows no sign of slowing, as more state governors reportedly prepare to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a surprising development, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, became the latest high-profile figure to align with the APC. He led his entire cabinet in leaving the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), further fuelling political intrigue ahead of the 2027 general election.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa has suggested that Oborevwori’s move is just the beginning, revealing that several more governors are expected to follow suit.
“I don’t know the exact number, but we are anticipating more governors to join the APC,” Governor Sule said during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television.
“There are many people, including governors, who have shown interest in joining the APC,” he added.
According to Sule, the influx of prominent politicians into the ruling party reflects the appeal of President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.
“When we meet with the president, you can see the excitement among them,” he noted. “These governors feel welcomed by the president – they genuinely like him.”
Oborevwori’s defection, alongside that of his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, took place in Asaba on Wednesday, finally ending months of speculation regarding his political future. Okowa had previously served as the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.
This move came shortly after Governor Oborevwori expressed his support for President Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027, despite still being a member of the PDP at the time. Akwa Ibom Governor, Umoh Eno, has also publicly endorsed Tinubu for a second term.
Delta State’s Information Commissioner, Charles Aniagwu, said the defection was motivated by a desire “to collaborate and build a state that every Deltan will be proud of”.
