The wave of high-profile defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in Nigeria’s South-South and South-East geo-political zones, appears to be giving President Bola Tinubu a strategic edge ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Delta: Oborevwori, Okowa Lead Mass Movement to APC

In a major political realignment, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, officially defected to the APC, setting the tone for what many observers are calling Tinubu’s “gradual takeover” of the South-South. This move follows earlier defections by former Governor James Ibori, his daughter Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, and Senator Ned Nwoko.

With the APC already controlling three of the six Niger Delta states and two of five in the South-East, the momentum is clearly shifting. Governor Oborevwori is now expected to emerge as the new leader of the APC in Delta, superseding earlier stalwarts such as Ibori, Nwoko, and former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, explained that the decision followed wide consultations among stakeholders and leaders. “The taste of the political ‘palm wine’ has changed. Consequently, our drinking pattern must adapt,” he said, referencing the evolving political climate.

Former Delta South Senator and PDP pioneer state chairman, Senator James Manager, cited persistent internal challenges within the PDP as a major reason for the mass defection. “You cannot stay on a boat that is already capsizing,” he said.

APC Gains Ground in South-East

Meanwhile, the APC continues to make notable inroads in the South-East. In Enugu State, over 150 members of the PDP and Labour Party recently decamped to the APC during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting. Prominent among the defectors were former Commissioner for Local Government Peter Okonkwo, LP’s 2023 Awgu North candidate Nonso Ochi, and several former aspirants from PDP strongholds.

In Ebonyi State, the former acting PDP chairman, Mr. Ifeanyi Nworie, joined the APC alongside a significant number of supporters. The move was led by former Senate President Pius Anyim, who stated that his decision had been long considered. “Ebonyi has always been one political family. Our movement today reaffirms that unity,” he noted.

Strategic Endorsements and Speculations

Adding to the shifting political landscape, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom publicly endorsed President Tinubu’s re-election bid during a federal highway project launch in Nsit-Antai LGA. Eno praised Tinubu as “a visionary, de-tribalised leader” and pledged full support for his second term, stating: “He deserves to complete his eight years in office.”

Despite the endorsement, Akwa Ibom’s Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, clarified that Governor Eno remains in the PDP. “His support for President Tinubu is not partisan, but a strategic step toward attracting federal collaboration for the benefit of Akwa Ibom people,” Umanah said, citing key projects like the Ibom Deep Seaport and ecological remediation.

Rivers: Fubara’s London Meeting Fuels Speculation

In Rivers State, reports of a meeting in London between President Tinubu and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara have further fueled speculation of an impending defection. The meeting is believed to be part of ongoing efforts to reinstate Fubara, following the declaration of emergency rule in the state.

Reactions and National Implications

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, hailed the developments in Delta as historic. “Finally, Delta is APC,” he posted on X, commending Tinubu for his leadership and Governor Oborevwori for his bold decision.

The growing wave of defections signals a critical consolidation of power for the APC across the southern zones. As more PDP leaders weigh their options, analysts suggest that President Tinubu is strategically positioning himself for a smooth path to re-election in 2027.