Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), confirmed yesterday that additional governors from opposition parties are poised to join the ruling party in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, recently declared his switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, along with his predecessor and former PDP vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa. During a formal reception in Abuja for prominent defectors from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State, Ganduje expressed his belief that the APC would secure victory in 2027. The group of defectors was led by Senator Kawu Sumaila, representing the Kano South Senatorial District. Although he refrained from revealing the names of the governors expected to join the APC, Ganduje reassured party supporters that the preparations for the 2027 elections are firmly established.
“More governors are coming into APC, I assure you, and places where we have elections, APC, insha Allah, will win,” he declared. Ganduje praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, attributing the party’s growing appeal to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda. He said, “The electorate, who appreciate the progress made under President Tinubu, will continue to support the APC at the polls.
The governor of Delta State, along with his cabinet, members of the state assembly, House of Representatives members, and even the former vice presidential candidate, has now joined the APC. This signifies the expansion of the APC, making the prospects for 2027 appear certain. Among the prominent individuals defecting from Kano State to the APC are Kabiru Alhasan Rurum, who represents Rano/Kibiya in the House of Representatives; Abdullahi Sani Rogo; Zubairu Hamza Massu, a member of the Kano State House of Assembly; Dr. A.B. Baffa Bichi, the former Secretary to the State Government; and former commissioners Mohd Digol and Abbas S. Abbas. Additional notable figures include former governorship candidate Sha’aban Ibrahim Lawal, as well as former House of Representatives members Badamasi Ayuba Danbatta and Idris Dankuwa. Senator Sumaila, representing the defectors, has committed to ensuring the APC’s success in their respective constituencies. The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has condemned the defection of Oborevwori and Okowa to the APC, labeling it an act of disloyalty. He further reminded party members that Labour Party’s Peter Obi achieved remarkable success in 2023 without the support of state governors, thereby promoting confidence in grassroots mobilization.
During the presentation of the Certificate of Return to the PDP candidate for the Anambra governorship election, Chief Ezenwafor Jude, Damagum expressed disappointment over the perceived betrayal of Delta State, emphasizing the party’s unwavering support for the region. He remarked, ‘It is truly regrettable, as Delta should not harbor such sentiments, given the party’s generosity… We have consistently backed Delta State, from the current governor to his predecessor, who also served as our vice presidential candidate. This action was unexpected.’ Damagum reassured party supporters that the PDP’s framework in Delta would be restructured through a caretaker system, stating, ‘We are currently assessing the situation and will proceed with this promptly.’ As he shifted focus to the 2027 general elections, Damagum called on Nigerians to hold the APC responsible for the nation’s economic struggles, asserting, ‘The 2027 election transcends the number of governors or leaders; it centers on Tinubu and the citizens of Nigeria.’ He urged unity among PDP members, highlighting the necessity for ordinary Nigerians to take charge of the upcoming election, which he characterized as a battle between the APC and the populace. ‘I implore everyone to unite and liberate ourselves from the hardships deliberately imposed upon us,’ he concluded. Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, encouraged PDP members to remain resolute amidst recent defections, asserting that the party is experiencing a vital transformation and will emerge more robust. In a statement released yesterday, Saraki addressed the concerns of party members and supporters following the defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He urged those who have lost faith in the PDP’s vision to depart, enabling dedicated members to concentrate on revitalizing the party.
Saraki expressed that individuals wishing to depart from the PDP should do so promptly, allowing those committed to the party to focus on its reconstruction and reorientation as a credible opposition. He underscored the necessity of a robust opposition for the preservation of democracy, cautioning that the shift towards a one-party system threatens Nigeria’s rich diversity. Saraki criticized the insincerity among certain party leaders, asserting that recent occurrences have validated his choice to remain observant. He encouraged party members across the nation to stay steadfast and not be discouraged by recent events, comparing politics to a marathon rather than a sprint, and emphasized that the PDP has ample time to realign itself ahead of the 2027 elections. He remarked that it is unnecessary to dwell on the reasons for departures, urging members to concentrate on fortifying the party. Furthermore, he called for an end to attributing the PDP’s difficulties to the ruling party, advocating for personal accountability among members to enhance the party’s foundation. Saraki characterized Okowa’s defection as unprecedented and a sign of deteriorating leadership values, yet he maintained that the PDP is still capable of securing victories in future elections, even with a smaller but more dedicated membership.
“We still have about two years before the next election. That is a long time in politics,” Saraki noted, calling on young members and women to play key roles in the party’s revival. He concluded by expressing confidence that the PDP will overcome current challenges, urging members not to lose hope.
“We should see the current development as a challenge to rebuild and refocus the party. Tomorrow is very bright,” he said.
The anti-Tinubu coalition, spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has minimized the significance of recent defections, labeling them as expected and irrelevant to their strategy for the 2027 elections. In response to these developments, coalition spokesperson Salihu Lukman remarked that such actions were foreseen, indicating that additional governors from the PDP are likely to align with the APC. He asserted, ‘Anyone claiming this is unforeseen is merely fooling themselves. The indications have been apparent. It involves not just one, but multiple governors.’ Lukman criticized the present condition of the PDP, referring to it as a mere shadow of its former self. He recognized that while some leaders within the PDP remain optimistic about revitalizing the party, a considerable number are suspected of supporting President Bola Tinubu. ‘When the governors released a statement opposing the coalition, we responded by noting that many were already collaborating with Asiwaju. Shortly thereafter, movements from Akwa Ibom and now Delta became evident,’ he stated. He further emphasized that the defections would not hinder the coalition’s goal of offering Nigerians a credible alternative in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
“What has happened with some governors moving into APC is not going to distract us. The full details of the coalition will soon be unveiled, along with the strategy for contesting the election,” Lukman assured.
“The PDP must move away from a culture of candidate imposition and godfatherism. If they can rebuild, we can
see them as partners in rescuing Nigeria,” Lukman said.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has ridiculed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, asserting that his political future appears bleak due to increasing defections and turmoil within the PDP. In a post on his X page, Onanuga derided Atiku, indicating that the departure of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa signifies the disintegration of Atiku’s envisioned coalition for 2027. This coalition reportedly included former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate Yusuf Baba-Ahmed. Onanuga remarked that the exit of Atiku’s supporters jeopardizes the coalition’s feasibility, stating, ‘With the implosion in the PDP and the departure of significant figures, Atiku’s political prospects are grim. His coalition initiative is effectively null and void.’ Additionally, Segun Sowunmi, a prominent member of the PDP, criticized Atiku’s coalition attempts, cautioning that they may further destabilize the party in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview from the source, Sowunmi urged Atiku to strengthen the PDP instead of seeking alliances outside the party.
“You were given the PDP presidential ticket twice; you were vice president under the PDP twice. Whatever coalition or amalgamation you are planning, it must be within the PDP,” he cautioned.
Sowunmi, identifying himself as Atiku’s most devoted supporter, contended that many individuals being sought for the coalition lack true loyalty to Atiku. He accused them of feigning support while pursuing their own agendas. “I disagree with the notion of transferring a large party into a smaller organization. Numerous individuals claiming to back you in this coalition do not genuinely agree with you. They feign support, but I am aware of their true sentiments,” he stated. Sowunmi expressed skepticism regarding Atiku’s intentions, voicing disappointment that someone who has gained the most from the PDP would contemplate actions detrimental to the party’s cohesion. Meanwhile, Bisi Olopoeyan, a prominent member of the PDP in Oyo State, warned party governors against defecting to the ruling APC, cautioning that such actions could severely impact Nigeria’s democracy. He remarked that the decisions made by Oborevwori and Okowa could jeopardize the country’s multi-party system and lead Nigeria towards a one-party regime. Olopoeyan indicated that those hastily aligning with the APC may come to regret their choices. “It would only take the ruling party to eliminate the PDP and subsequently transform Nigeria into a one-party state. Since the APC took power in 2015, the PDP has been the sole opposition voice,” he asserted. Olopoeyan criticized Okowa and Oborevwori for their perceived ingratitude towards the PDP. He also questioned President Bola Tinubu’s leadership style, alleging that the current administration is pressuring opposition members, in contrast to previous administrations led by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari. He attributed the party’s difficulties to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, citing his defection in 2015 as the root cause of the PDP’s ongoing challenges. Olopoeyan cautioned the suspended Rivers State governor, Similayi Fubara, against defecting, warning that such a decision could jeopardize his political relevance.
Sochukwudinma stated that Governor Oborevwori is expected to play a significant role in fortifying the APC in Delta State, while investigations into any individual will proceed regardless of their party affiliation. Additionally, Sanya Atofarati, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the South-West, affirmed the stability of the region, highlighting the strong leadership of Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun). He commended the dedication of party leaders such as Chief Olabode George and expressed hope for the PDP’s revival in 2027. In a related development, the Edo State Chapter of the PDP asserted its strength and unity, cautioning members against those attempting to weaken its presence in the South-South and throughout Nigeria. During a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo, emphasized the party’s commitment to reclaiming what it termed a stolen mandate from its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in the recent gubernatorial election, assuring members that the party would remain undeterred by both internal and external challenges. Chief Tom Ikimi, a prominent figure in the PDP, underscored the necessity of the party’s survival for Nigeria’s future, accusing the APC of being overtaken by self-interested individuals. He remarked, ‘We are witnessing desperate attempts to dismantle the PDP, which aims to establish a one-party dictatorship. The only viable future for Nigeria hinges on the survival of the PDP.’
