President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to strengthen its grip on Nigeria’s political landscape as 12 senators and House of Representatives members defect from opposition parties to join the ruling party. This surge in defections, which includes key lawmakers from Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Nasarawa states, underscores the growing momentum behind Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and signals a potential shift in power dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ten lawmakers from Akwa Ibom State—originally elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Young Peoples Party (YPP)—have resolved to follow Governor Umo Eno into the APC. Senators Ekong Sampson and Aniekan Bassey, along with eight House members including Okpolupm Etteh and Paul Asuquo, are among those defecting. Emmanuel Ukpongudo of the YPP is also aligning with the ruling party.
The APC’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, confirmed the defections and revealed that almost all Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly members are expected to join the APC, with only a few still hesitant.
Governor Eno’s defection last Friday was a pivotal moment, attributed to his desire to align the oil-rich state with the federal government. Speaking in Uyo, Eno said, “I have decided to progressively move to the APC. Our government has always been an inclusive government, which will never change.” His move mirrors that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who switched to the APC in April.
In Edo State, Senator Neda Imasuen of the Labour Party announced plans to defect to the APC on June 12, citing internal disarray within his former party and the need to better align with federal development priorities.
Senator Ahmed Wadada of Nasarawa West, a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), is also expected to join the APC. Wadada cited “irreconcilable differences” with former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai, whose recent defection to the SDP has caused internal strife. Wadada criticized the SDP’s lack of ideological direction and personal ambition overriding collective interests.
The APC is actively courting four PDP governors from Adamawa, Plateau, Osun, and Bayelsa states, with talks ongoing to bring them into the fold. Dr. Arodiogbu dismissed claims of coercion, attributing the defections to the visible success of President Tinubu’s administration.
Despite these defections, PDP officials in Bauchi, Taraba, and Zamfara states reaffirmed their party loyalty. Bauchi PDP Publicity Secretary Dayyabu Ciroma called Eno’s defection a betrayal, while Taraba PDP Chairman Alhaji Abubakar Bawa dismissed rumors about Governor Agbu Kefas switching parties. Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal’s media aide Mustafa Kaura reiterated his principal’s commitment to the PDP.
The APC now governs 23 states, with the PDP controlling 10, and smaller parties holding the remainder. With defections accelerating, the 2027 elections are shaping up to be a critical contest influenced heavily by President Tinubu’s political strategy.