In a surprise political twist, several opposition governors who were earlier speculated to be defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have shelved those plans, opting instead to consolidate their positions within their current parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among those backing out are Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu (PDP), Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun (PDP), Governor Alex Otti of Abia (Labour Party), Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara (PDP), and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau (PDP). Their decisions come amidst internal restructuring within their parties and a reassessment of political dynamics following the recent defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his deputy to the APC.
Governor Mbah is said to be encouraged by growing grassroots support and the collapse of Labour Party structures in Enugu. Similarly, Adeleke has reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, calling defection rumours “fake news.” Governor Otti, while staying committed to the Labour Party, stated that any future political moves would be guided by divine direction.
This development signals a halt to what APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje had earlier described as a broader wave of defections. It also reflects the opposition's efforts to resist the APC’s expansion and reposition ahead of the next elections.
Leaders of other parties, including the NNPP, SDP, and BOOT Party, criticized the defection trend as opportunistic and warned against the emergence of a de facto one-party system, citing poor governance and public dissatisfaction with the ruling APC.
