As Nigeria heads toward the 2027 general elections, the political landscape is witnessing an unprecedented shift. The All Progressives Congress (APC), currently at the helm of federal power, is tightening its grip nationwide. In a move with seismic implications, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire state structure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected en masse to the APC—signaling a new political order.
The defection, confirmed by Senator James Manager after a marathon six-hour closed-door meeting in Asaba, includes not only the governor and former governor but also the PDP state chairman, the speaker of the House of Assembly, all local government chairmen, and key political actors in the state.
“We refuse to go down with a sinking ship,” Manager said, declaring the PDP’s relevance in Delta as a thing of the past.
Delta State’s Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, added flair to the announcement, saying, “The PDP has become like sour palm wine—we had to find a new keg.” The move, he explained, was necessary to align more closely with federal leadership and unlock developmental opportunities.
Masterstroke or Opportunism?
APC stalwart and former Speaker of the Delta State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, hailed the defection as “a political earthquake” and “a visionary leap.”
“This is beyond party politics—it’s a strategic alliance with Abuja that will accelerate our state’s progress,” Ochei wrote on his verified Facebook page. He cited promises of infrastructure, jobs, and greater national influence as key outcomes of the realignment.
But not everyone sees this political exodus in such glowing terms. Civil society groups and political analysts warn that Nigeria’s multi-party democracy is under threat.
“This trend undermines the foundation of electoral choice,” said Dr. Nnamdi Ubah, a constitutional lawyer. “Without viable opposition, democracy becomes a rubber stamp for the ruling elite.”
A Broader Pattern Emerges
Delta’s case is only the most high-profile in a nationwide trend. An investigation by PUNCH earlier this year revealed that more than 300 PDP members defected to the APC between February 2024 and February 2025. Many cited unresolved internal crises, lack of strategic direction, and the allure of federal patronage.
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Labour Party (LP) have also been hit by defections. In Kano South, Senator Kawu Sumaila jumped ship from the NNPP to the APC, stating, “Politics is local, and my people deserve results. The ruling party offers that platform.”
Hon. Oluwole Oke from Osun State offered a more blunt explanation: “The PDP is broken,” he said in a short phone interview.
More States, More Defections
In Edo State, political insiders hint that LP Senator Neda Imasuen is on the cusp of joining the APC. Eugene Utubor, a special adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo, said discussions were already underway and progress was “promising.”
Kano has also become a battlefield. Former lawmakers Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, Ali Madaki, and Hon. Badamasi Ayuba are rumored to be finalizing their switches to the APC. Their moves have added fuel to speculation that Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, founder of the NNPP, may be eyeing a return to the party he once helped build.
In Jigawa and Kaduna, other notable names like Yusuf Galambi, ex-Governor Muktar Ramalan Yero, and former Senate President Pius Anyim have also joined the APC wave.
The Tinubu Factor
At the heart of the political reshuffling is President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. APC spokesperson Felix Morka argued that the mass defections are a vote of confidence in the president’s leadership.
“This is not just a political trend; it’s a national movement grounded in trust and performance,” Morka said.
But the opposition isn’t buying it. PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor described the developments as “a hijack of democracy.”
“These defections are not ideological—they’re tactical moves to access federal power and avoid political persecution,” he claimed.
A Shrinking Political Arena
With APC dominance spreading, fears of a de facto one-party state are growing. Analysts warn that this trend, if unchecked, could weaken institutions, stifle dissent, and reduce the 2027 elections to mere formality.
Dr. Amina Sanni of Ahmadu Bello University underscored the danger: “When political loyalty is driven by convenience rather than conviction, democratic accountability suffers. Nigeria risks becoming a democracy in name only.”
She criticized politicians who treat party affiliation as a revolving door, saying they contribute to voter disillusionment and institutional instability.
More Realignments Ahead?
Signs of more defections are already evident. Governors in Adamawa, Taraba, and Akwa Ibom have publicly praised Tinubu’s government in recent weeks—gestures widely interpreted as precursors to political realignment.
“Listen closely to their tone—it’s clear they’re preparing the ground,” one APC insider said. “By 2026, many of them will be in our fold.”
The electorate has taken notice. Online, many Nigerians express resignation to what they see as a rigged political culture.
“Different names, same team,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “It’s not about parties anymore—it’s about survival.”
With the APC consolidating at a pace unmatched since 1999, Nigeria’s political diversity is under strain. As the 2027 elections approach, the real concern isn’t just who wins—but whether there will be anyone left to lose.
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