As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the political terrain is experiencing significant upheaval. Barely 13 months to the polls, a wave of high-profile defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is reshaping state-level politics across the country. The influx of sitting Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors into the APC has certainly strengthened the party’s numerical edge. However, this consolidation of power has simultaneously exposed internal tensions, setting the stage for intense contests over leadership roles, party structures, and the allocation of election tickets. States like Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Plateau, and Enugu are now focal points of political speculation. The critical question remains: Can the APC translate elite agreements into broad-based grassroots support, or will unresolved rivalries erupt during the primaries, potentially undermining party unity? Ticket-Sharing Challenges in Akwa Ibom: Akpabio-Eno Alliance Under Scrutiny In Akwa Ibom State, the APC faces a real risk of internal discord following Governor Umo Eno’s defection from the PDP in June 2025. At the heart of this emerging tension is the division of party tickets between two dominant power blocs: Governor Eno, who controls state resources, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who wields significant federal influence. Eno, in his defection address, praised the mutual trust he shares with Akpabio and President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing that this understanding guarantees automatic tickets for his second-term bid and secures Akpabio’s political trajectory. The trio collectively vowed to deliver Akwa Ibom State to the APC. Yet, the defection left many questions unanswered for the 26 PDP lawmakers and political appointees who switched sides alongside Eno. Even serving APC lawmakers in the National Assembly remain unsure about their prospects for securing return tickets. One lawmaker confided: “This crisis is inevitable. The smiles between Akpabio and Governor Eno will fade once INEC blows the whistle. Ticket allocation will displace many of us who followed Eno into APC. Some colleagues are already exploring alternative platforms.” To mitigate backlash from displaced incumbents with strong grassroots support, Governor Eno introduced the slogan “Akwa Ibom United,” echoing a political doctrine first popularized by former PDP chairman Aniekan Akpan. Critics argue the slogan masks a strategy for consolidating total political control, combining both inducements and coercion. Reports indicate that in the weeks before his defection, Eno distributed SUVs to PDP chairmen and members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPA), ostensibly to foster party harmony. Yet, he simultaneously issued a stern warning: “We will not leave PDP for thieves to hijack and use against us.” Political insiders also revealed that dissenters were swiftly labeled as “sacked,” with at least two aides dismissed for attending the PDP convention in Ibadan. Analysts warn that unless the Akpabio–Eno ticket-sharing arrangement is carefully managed, it could either weaken APC’s position in Akwa Ibom or, if ruthlessly enforced, solidify a decisive victory. Delta State: Old Political Titans, New Alliances Delta State politics has also been redefined by recent defections. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori joined the APC on April 28, 2025, alongside his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. Since then, Oborevwori has steadily consolidated control over the party, receiving backing from the Omeni-Sobotie-led State Working Committee and key stakeholders including Chief Festus Keyamo, O’tega Emerhor, Senators Ned Nwoko, and Ede Dafinone. The governor is widely recognized as APC’s sole governorship candidate for 2027. Across the state, he enjoys endorsements from APC members spanning all three senatorial districts, federal constituencies, and local government areas. However, uncertainty persists regarding former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who was the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate. A long-standing governorship aspirant in Delta State, Omo-Agege attended the defection ceremony but has since remained silent about whether he intends to pursue his ambition or step aside. With former PDP members now cohabiting with old APC stalwarts, analysts predict potential friction, particularly in districts where incumbent officeholders and aspirants may find their political ambitions in conflict. Analysis: What This Means for APC’s 2027 Prospects The mass defections into the APC have undeniably strengthened the party numerically. Yet, the blending of diverse political interests—ranging from entrenched incumbents to ambitious newcomers—creates a fragile equilibrium. In states like Akwa Ibom and Delta, the ultimate test will be whether ticket-sharing agreements and elite endorsements can translate into cohesive grassroots mobilization. Failure to manage these dynamics could either spark internal strife or hand APC a sweeping victory if executed decisively. As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 elections, the fates of defected governors and allied lawmakers remain uncertain. Their political survival will largely depend on negotiation skills, strategic alliances, and the ability to balance personal ambitions with party cohesion.
Former Kaduna Governor Dumps APC, Triggers Mixed Reactions Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has officially left the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP)—a move that has intensified political discussions across Nigeria, particularly in the North. El-Rufai cited dissatisfaction with APC’s governance and a lack of internal democracy as reasons for his defection. However, his decision has sparked a range of reactions from political stakeholders, analysts, and opposition parties. Why Did El-Rufai Leave APC? On March 10, 2025, El-Rufai publicly announced his resignation from the APC, stating that the party had abandoned its founding principles. According to him, the ruling party had become intolerant of internal dissent and had marginalized many of its key members. The former governor also hinted at building a strong opposition coalition by engaging with influential political figures ahead of the 2027 elections. APC Responds to El-Rufai’s Defection The APC leadership dismissed El-Rufai’s exit, calling it an act of political desperation. Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, claimed that El-Rufai’s criticisms were driven by personal grievances rather than genuine concerns about governance. Morka suggested that El-Rufai’s dissatisfaction stemmed from his failed attempt to secure a ministerial appointment under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He argued that the former governor’s defection was not based on ideological differences but rather on personal ambition. Internal Reactions in the SDP While some SDP members see El-Rufai’s entry as a boost to the party’s strength, others fear it could create instability. The SDP Youths and Supporters Coalition rejected his membership, accusing him of being an authoritarian leader who might undermine the party’s democratic structure. Additionally, Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, acknowledged El-Rufai’s political experience but raised concerns about his controversial leadership style. Criticisms From the Opposition Several political figures have criticized El-Rufai’s defection, claiming that his decision is more about political survival than genuine interest in national progress. Adnan Mukhtar Tudunwada, a former PDP state assembly aspirant, stated that El-Rufai only left APC because he had lost influence within the party. “El-Rufai did not join SDP to serve the people—he joined because he saw no future for himself in APC. He previously insisted that power must shift to the South, despite no constitutional backing for such a stance. If President Tinubu had given him a ministerial position, would he have rejected it?” Tudunwada questioned in an interview with LMSINT MEDIA. He further alleged that El-Rufai’s alliance-building efforts were more about personal gain than establishing a credible opposition. “I support a strong opposition coalition, but not the kind where everyone is rallying behind a single individual who only seeks political dominance,” he added. New Political Realignments Underway? El-Rufai’s defection has fueled speculations of a political shift in Nigeria. The SDP National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, suggested that more prominent figures might soon exit APC. Among the names circulating are former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola—though Fayemi has denied any plans to leave. Concerns From Political Allies Even among his close allies, some believe that El-Rufai’s decision to leave APC was premature. Salihu Lukman, a former APC National Vice-Chairman (North West) and longtime associate of El-Rufai, argued that his defection could weaken efforts to build a united opposition front before the 2027 elections. Lukman advised that El-Rufai should have exercised patience before making such a drastic move. Conclusion: What’s Next for El-Rufai? El-Rufai’s defection to SDP remains one of the most debated political moves in Nigeria’s evolving landscape. While he presents himself as a leader championing opposition unity, critics argue that his decision is driven by political ambition rather than true democratic principles. As the 2027 elections approach, the impact of his defection on Nigeria’s political realignments will become clearer. However, whether it strengthens the opposition or merely serves his personal interests remains uncertain. Premium Times READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has asserted that President Bola Tinubu must complete two terms in office, emphasizing that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has a single presidential candidate for the 2027 election. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, the lawmaker representing Abia North stated that Tinubu’s economic policies are yielding positive results, making his continued leadership essential for national progress. Tinubu’s Leadership and APC’s Endorsement Kalu highlighted that while Tinubu has not formally announced his re-election bid, the APC leadership has already endorsed him for a second term. He noted that the National Executive Committee (NEC) reaffirmed its support for Tinubu, with a motion initiated by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and announced by APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. “This president is not even playing politics. He has not declared his intention to contest again, but the party has unanimously given him a vote of confidence,” Kalu stated. Igbo Presidency Not Feasible in 2027 While acknowledging the necessity of an Igbo presidency, Kalu ruled out 2027 as the right time for it. He stressed the importance of national consensus in electing a president, citing that Tinubu was elected not just by the Yoruba but by Nigerians across all regions. “The Igbo must present a candidate who is acceptable to all Nigerians. No single region can single-handedly determine the presidency,” he emphasized. Kalu further reiterated that national transformation takes time, urging Nigerians to be patient as Tinubu’s administration continues to implement policies aimed at economic recovery. Read more on APC’s official endorsement of Tinubu READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, has stated that millions of Nigerians are looking to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to provide solutions to the country’s challenges. Makinde made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja during the inauguration of the PDP’s board of governors and the unveiling of the roadmap for the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI), the party’s research arm. PDI was founded in 2000 with the goal of fostering a new democratic culture in Nigeria and Africa through education, training, capacity building, research, and documentation programs. The governor emphasized that the party will be restructured to become a symbol of hope for Nigerians. “We will fix the PDP, and the PDP will fix Nigeria, creating a foundation of real hope for the people,” he stated. As the 2027 elections approach, Makinde stressed the importance of the PDP providing genuine hope for the country. By revitalizing the PDI, the party is working towards offering that hope to Nigerians, he added. “Our country needs direction, and Nigerians are looking to the PDP to lay an ideological foundation,” he said. With the board’s inauguration, Makinde believes the PDP is taking a significant step toward defining its core ideology. He also reiterated his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through the PDP, acknowledging the party’s role in his success. “Since 2019, I’ve benefited from the PDP, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve with two consecutive mandates under this umbrella,” he remarked. “I promise that I will not taint the well that has nourished me since 1999 when I leave office.” Former Senate President Bukola Saraki also spoke, advising PDP members to focus on the party’s collective vision rather than personal ambitions. “We cannot have an ambition without a party, and we cannot have a party without ideas,” Saraki explained. He urged the party to prioritize discussions about its identity and policies, rather than prematurely speculating about candidates for future elections. READ ALSO:
