In a sweeping realignment that could redefine Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised to welcome an influx of high-profile defectors from the opposition.
At the heart of the political whirlwind is Akwa Ibom State, where ten National Assembly members elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP) have resolved to follow Governor Umo Eno into the APC. The lawmakers, comprising Senators Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South) and Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East), and eight House of Representatives members — Okpolupm Etteh, Paul Asuquo, Alphonsus Uduak, Ime Bassey, Martins Esin, Unyime Idem, Mark Esset, and YPP’s Emmanuel Ukpongudo — have already pledged allegiance to the ruling party.
This mass defection follows the dramatic announcement by Governor Eno last Friday, when he declared his resignation from the PDP after months of consultations. Speaking at a well-attended rally in Uyo, Eno stated, “I have decided to progressively move to the APC. Our government has always been inclusive, and that will not change.”
Unlike Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who defected with his state’s PDP structure earlier in April, Governor Eno’s move has yet to garner full support within his administration. Three commissioners resigned in protest, and former Governor Udom Emmanuel, Eno’s political mentor, was conspicuously absent from the defection ceremony, affirming his continued loyalty to the PDP.
A source close to one of the defecting lawmakers disclosed that their defection letters will be officially presented on the floor of the Senate and the House of Representatives upon the National Assembly’s resumption on June 17. “There was no pressure from any angle,” one lawmaker clarified. “We are simply aligning with our leader and with progress.”
Beyond Akwa Ibom, the APC is also celebrating defections from other key opposition figures. Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South), formerly of the Labour Party, announced plans to join the APC on June 12, citing internal disarray within the LP and a desire to align Edo South with federal development priorities under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, stated that the LP’s current state would hinder his efforts to deliver dividends of democracy to his constituents.
In a similar move, Senator Ahmed Wadada (Nasarawa West), who was elected on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), is reportedly preparing to join the APC, following his fallout with former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Wadada expressed deep dissatisfaction with El-Rufai’s political style and ideological ambiguity, declaring, “I cannot be part of a platform with no ideological direction.”
The APC’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, confirmed the party’s strategic inroads across opposition strongholds. He affirmed that nearly all Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly members were also set to defect, with only a few holdouts remaining. “Akwa Ibom is now a clean sweep,” Arodiogbu said. “We are also expecting more PDP governors to join soon. Adamawa, Plateau, Osun, and Bayelsa are under serious watch.”
He emphasized that these defections were not coerced, but rather inspired by the visible achievements of the Tinubu-led administration. “No one is being forced. People are aligning with the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he asserted.
Reactions have been swift across the political spectrum. The PDP in Bauchi State condemned Eno’s defection, labeling it a betrayal of his predecessor and sponsor, Udom Emmanuel. “Eno has been romancing the APC since his swearing-in,” said PDP spokesman Dayyabu Ciroma. “He has betrayed his predecessor and we will defeat him in 2027.”
Taraba PDP leaders also dismissed speculation of a defection by Governor Agbu Kefas, reaffirming their loyalty and the state’s historical allegiance to the party. State Chairman Alhaji Abubakar Bawa said, “Taraba has remained a steadfast PDP bastion. Governor Kefas has no intention of defecting.”
In Zamfara, Governor Dauda Lawal’s media aide dismissed claims of an imminent switch to the APC. “Governor Lawal remains committed to the PDP and the mandate of the people,” said Mustafa Kaura.
The situation in Plateau remains fluid. While APC state chairman Rufus Bature welcomed the possibility of Governor Caleb Mutfwang joining, he clarified that no formal talks have taken place. PDP Deputy Chairman Bitrus Golen reaffirmed the governor’s loyalty to the party, stating there was no indication of defection.
In Edo State, Labour Party Chairman Kelly Ogbaloi confirmed Senator Imasuen’s departure and lamented the loss. “We tried to persuade him to stay, but his mind was made up. We wish him well,” he said.
APC Secretary in Edo, Lawrence Okah, hailed Imasuen’s defection as a testament to the party’s growing influence and teased that more high-profile defections would follow on June 12.
With the APC now controlling 23 states, leaving the PDP with just 10, and one each for APGA, LP, and NNPP, the momentum appears firmly in favour of the ruling party. As the 2027 election cycle approaches, the political terrain is shifting rapidly — and the centre of gravity appears to be moving unmistakably towards the APC.
