In what could be a big blow to the opposition party ahead of the 2027 Presidential election, 4 serving Governors under the platform of the (Peoples Democratic Party) (PDP) are reportedly set to defect to the ruling (All Progressives Congress) (APC), according to a report by ThisDay Newspaper.
The Governors who are allegedly in talks to switch allegiance include:
- Akwa Ibom State Governor – Umo Eno
- Delta State Governor – Sheriff Oborevwori
- Enugu State Governor – Peter Mbah
- Rivers State Governor – Siminalayi Fubara.
Why PDP Governors Plan To Defect To APC Ahead Of 2027 Elections:
Their potential plan to jump ship will surely signal a huge strategic realignment in Nigeria’s political landscape, and there will be implications for the two political parties involved. Let’s analyse the political calculations these governors must be making to warrant such a crucial move, and how the challenges they are battling in their different states might’ve played a part:
1. Strategic Calculation/Bargaining Move:
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno stunned Nigerians when he voiced out his support for President Tinubu days back. It was shocking to hear the PDP Governor say party distinctions have since dissolved in Akwa Ibom, and PDP and APC are now more united than ever in the state.
Umo Eno’s stance clearly reflects a lot of strategic calculations going on in his head as the 2027 Presidential election draws close, and according to reports, the governor is scared that his re-election might not be guaranteed if he does not play his cards right. Sources have since suggested that Eno is set to battle major political challenges within his state as he seeks a return to office, so he is only keeping his options open to better his chances before the people cast their votes.
In addition to that, the recent declaration of PDP machinery to support APC’s victory represents a political bargain that would aid Senator Godswill Akpabio’s return as Senate president. The move only goes to show that Godswill Akpabio still has a lot of influence and power to guarantee that the power dynamics remain in his favour in the state.
Furthermore, backing APC is a good way to grant your state smoother access to Federal resources and projects, therefore, Eno’s statement could also be his way of delivering major benefits to his constituents that will further guarantee their backing.
2. Being On The Right Side Of The Power Struggle:
According to reports, the 3 other Governors, Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and the suspended Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), are contemplating backing Tinubu’s second term bid while remaining members of the PDP. Their indecisive approach mainly signifies typical Nigerian leaders who decide to maintain their state-level power while holding on to the idea of partaking in the opposition’s federal domination.
Supended Governor, Simi Fubara, in particular, is facing a complicated political future in Rivers State, therefore he must already be thinking about pitching his tent with Federal powerhouses who will guarantee him protection against the local political figures who are eyeing his throne.
Regional calculation will definitely play a part in their defection decision as well. Since all 3 of them are Governors of states in Southern Nigeria, it will not be surprising to see them succumb to the broader geopolitical shifts that makes siding with President Tinubu a wiser move for the regions they represent.
3. Negotiating Power:
It could also be that these PDP Governors fully believe in the possibility of President Tinubu losing the support of the North ahead of the Presidential elections in 2027, and have decided to leverage on the importance of their Southern dominance by negotiating with the ruling party.
By so doing, they can prove their worth to President Tinubu who could potentially lose a region that delivered 62% of his total votes in 2023, while guaranteeing their own re-elections in their different states. The governors must believe that their defection and support will place them as crucial allies for BAT amid the ongoing tensions threatening his own re-election as President.
4. Federal Power Benefits:
For any defection and more declaration of support for Tinubu to happen, the Governors will most likely want assurances that there will be no Federal interference in their 2027 re-election bids. They will also need FG’s backing against local opponents to improve their political chances before the people cast their votes.
As allies, they will definitely expect more Federal presence and project funding in their various states, which will deliver major benefits to keep their constituents happy. Furthermore, they won’t forget to demand for guarantees that their autonomy in state affairs will not stop even after aligning with Federal power.
Democratic Implications Of The Potential Political Realignment Ahead Of 2027 Elections:
Nigerians must be aware that such political realignment will lead to major consequences for the country’s democracy. The below are to be expected:
- Not only will it dampen the morale of opposition structures across Nigeria, PDP will most likely lose important state platforms.
- It will further glorify the sad trend of Governors using state machinery to determine who wins Federal elections.
- The shameless habit of political defections being majorly fuelled by personal political survival, not ideological consistency, will continue to be celebrated, not condemned.
Sadly, with reports claiming the defection talks are at an advanced stage and key meetings are already taking place between these PDP Governors and APC leaders, Nigerians should know that the realignment move is not a mere rumor that will eventually go away, it more than signifies a major shift in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next election.
