The recent defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified concerns about the stability of opposition parties across Nigeria. Even before Oborevwori’s official departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), there were clear signs—through both statements and subtle political alignments—that several opposition governors were warming up to the ruling party. Investigations by Sunday Vanguard reveal a rising sense of uncertainty among opposition party loyalists, despite public assurances by party leaders that no further defections are imminent.
The defections have particularly unsettled the PDP, stirring fears in various states where the opposition is still holding ground. Although some governors appear solidly committed to their current parties, the broader political atmosphere remains volatile, shaped by personal political relationships, regional dynamics, and internal party struggles.
Enugu: Cracks Beneath the Surface
Enugu State, a historic stronghold of the PDP since Nigeria’s Fourth Republic began, is now under intense speculation. Sources indicate that Governor Peter Mbah is being heavily courted by the APC, capitalizing on his close ties with President Bola Tinubu. In response, the APC in Enugu State, traditionally the opposition, has notably lauded Mbah’s developmental initiatives—an unusual move that has fueled defection rumors.
However, resistance exists within the APC itself. Ugo Agballa, the party’s state chairman, has voiced strong opposition to any plan for Mbah’s defection, with insiders reporting a pledge among party leaders to resist such moves. Despite the APC’s growing outreach, PDP loyalists in Enugu continue to maintain a strong foothold, making the governor’s political future uncertain.
Anambra: APGA Remains Strong, No Fear of Defection
In Anambra State, defection fears are minimal despite Governor Charles Soludo’s cordial relationship with President Tinubu. Elected under the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) platform, Soludo has remained steadfast, recently deriding the APC’s lack of political traction in Anambra.
According to Soludo, the APC has consistently failed to secure even the smallest electoral victories in the state:
“APC doesn’t even have a councillor in Anambra. In all past elections—both general and local—they have struggled to gain more than 3–4% of the votes,” he remarked.
Local APGA leaders affirm Soludo’s loyalty, emphasizing that APGA is not just a political party but a movement deeply entrenched in Igbo political identity. Emma Udemezue, an APGA chieftain, insisted: “Our governor is principled and will not follow the path of political defectors.”
Abia: Defections Seen as Insignificant
In Abia State, the recent wave of defections appears to have little to no impact. Abia’s political landscape shifted significantly in 2023 when the Labour Party (LP) captured the governorship under Dr. Alex Otti. Since then, the state’s political discourse has centered more on governance performance than party allegiance.
Chief Olugh Kalu, a PDP leader in Abia, stated:
“Politics is local. What happens in Delta doesn’t affect Abia.”
Many ex-PDP figures have already transitioned to the APC, and further realignments are anticipated before 2027. However, the general populace remains more interested in the LP’s administrative performance than in the internal struggles of the traditional parties.
Osun: Anxiety Mounts Over Potential Defections
In Osun State, rumors of potential defections preceded Oborevwori’s move. Speculations surrounding Governor Ademola Adeleke’s loyalty to the PDP have intensified following the resignation of Mr. Oluwole Oke, a prominent PDP lawmaker from Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency.
Oke’s departure—announced through a formal resignation letter after consultations with his constituents—has fueled suspicions that he may soon align with the APC, sparking fears that Adeleke could follow suit. Local residents have expressed concern that recent events point toward a brewing political realignment.
Nonetheless, prominent PDP figures have downplayed these fears. Diran Odeyemi, a former Deputy Publicity Secretary of the PDP, dismissed rumors of Adeleke’s potential defection, calling them baseless speculations not grounded in reality.
