Speculation Grows Over Potential Defections Of Five First-Term Govs To APC Ahead Of 2027 Polls

Reports from LEADERSHIP suggest that governors from Abia, Enugu, Delta, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states are facing pressure to defect to the APC.+18 [Don’t Watch If You Are Not Old Enough Please] See The Viral Moment And V!deo Where Abuja Based Gospel Singer Timileyin Ajayi K!lled His Girlfriend And Was C@ught With Her H£@d.

The governors—Alex Otti (Abia, Labour Party), Peter Mbah (Enugu, People’s Democratic Party, PDP), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta, PDP), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers, PDP), and Umoh Eno (Akwa Ibom, PDP)—have become focal points of political discussions about party loyalty and strategies for re-election. These developments raise questions about shifting allegiances as they prepare for the next electoral cycle.

The Growing Influence of Political Pressure

Sources indicate that ongoing internal crises within these governors’ parties may be fueling speculation about potential defections. Members of the APC are reportedly courting the governors, urging them to switch allegiance ahead of the elections.

Observers note that the prospect of joining the ruling party could be a survival strategy for governors seeking a more secure platform to win re-election. However, the phenomenon is not new to Nigerian politics. Since 1999, more than 20 sitting governors have changed political parties, with varying degrees of success.

Abia State: Alex Otti’s Future in Question

+18 [Don’t Watch If You Are Not Old Enough Please] See The Viral Moment And V!deo Where Abuja Based Gospel Singer Timileyin Ajayi K!lled His Girlfriend And Was C@ught With Her H£@d.Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party has been at the center of defection rumors. His controversial decision to use the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) for the 2024 local government elections raised concerns about his commitment to the Labour Party. Speculation intensified after Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo hinted at Otti’s potential return to the APC during the groundbreaking ceremony for Abia’s new airport.

Otti has also reportedly faced pressure from Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who is a key APC figure. While Otti’s administration has dismissed these rumors, insiders suggest his re-election bid within the Labour Party could face significant hurdles.

A party source stated: “Securing the Labour Party ticket in 2027 may be difficult for Otti, given the dissatisfaction among party members who feel sidelined since his victory.”

Enugu State: Mbah Dismisses Defection Claims

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has been linked to defection rumors amid internal challenges within the PDP. Despite the speculation, PDP officials in Enugu have strongly denied such claims.

Uchenna Obute Udi, the PDP spokesperson in Enugu, described the rumors as baseless, emphasizing Mbah’s commitment to the party. He praised the governor’s leadership and rapid infrastructural development, noting that these achievements have strengthened Mbah’s position within the PDP and the Southeast region.

Rivers State: Fubara’s Struggles in PDP

In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has faced challenges asserting control over the PDP’s structure, fueling speculation about a potential defection. Reports suggest his involvement with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) during local government elections may signal a shift in political alignment.

However, Rivers State’s Commissioner for Information, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, dismissed these claims as unfounded. “Rumors will remain rumors,” he stated, affirming Fubara’s commitment to the PDP.

Akwa Ibom State: Eno’s Alleged APC Ties

+18 [Don’t Watch If You Are Not Old Enough Please] See The Viral Moment And V!deo Where Abuja Based Gospel Singer Timileyin Ajayi K!lled His Girlfriend And Was C@ught With Her H£@d.Governor Umoh Eno of Akwa Ibom has come under scrutiny for his close relationship with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a prominent APC figure. While no official announcement has been made, these ties have sparked speculation about a potential defection.

The Akwa Ibom PDP has repeatedly denied these rumors. Party chairman Elder Aniekan Akpan stated, “PDP is akin to a religion in Akwa Ibom,” reaffirming the party’s dominance in the state.

Some political analysts, however, argue that APC’s strategic push to weaken opposition strongholds could influence Eno’s decision. A PDP insider remarked, “President Tinubu is known for his political strategies and may use his influence to sway key opposition figures, including Governor Eno.”

Delta State: Oborevwori’s Alleged Alignment with APC

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has also been accused of aligning with APC leaders, including President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Oborevwori’s spokesperson, Sir Festus Ahon, dismissed these allegations, calling them fabrications by opposition figures seeking to destabilize the PDP. The Delta PDP has also condemned the rumors, reiterating its confidence in the governor’s loyalty.

PDP’s Response to Defection Speculations

Despite widespread rumors, the PDP has consistently maintained that its governors remain loyal to the party. Spokespersons in Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states have all dismissed the allegations as baseless.

+18 [Don’t Watch If You Are Not Old Enough Please] See The Viral Moment And V!deo Where Abuja Based Gospel Singer Timileyin Ajayi K!lled His Girlfriend And Was C@ught With Her H£@d.The party attributes the speculation to attempts by political opponents to sow discord within its ranks. As the 2027 elections approach, the PDP faces the challenge of maintaining unity and addressing internal conflicts to retain its influence across Nigeria.

The coming months will reveal whether these rumors materialize into actual defections or remain a strategic maneuver in Nigeria’s ever-dynamic political landscape.…Read full story… for a better details