2027: Southern PDP Governors Conclude Plans To Join APC, Back Tinubu

2027: Southern PDP Governors Conclude Plans To Join APC, Back Tinubu

 

A political realignment appears to be underway in Nigeria’s southern region, as several governors elected under the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are reportedly making moves to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and throw their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition in 2027.

 

 

Sources close to the developments reveal that high-level consultations are ongoing among key political stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on preserving Nigeria’s longstanding informal North-South power rotation arrangement.

 

BREAKING: Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno to Dump PDP for APC in June

 

According to insiders, many southern PDP governors believe that just as former President Muhammadu Buhari completed two terms for the North, Tinubu should be allowed to do the same for the South.

 

A source familiar with the negotiations told Leadership: “The PDP governors from the South are largely going to support Tinubu because of the North-South power rotation. Just as Buhari completed two terms for the North, many believe Tinubu should complete the same for the South.”

 

Already, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has made the jump to the APC, while Akwa Ibom’s Governor Umo Eno recently drew attention with a cryptic remark about not wanting to “fly in a faulty plane”—widely interpreted as a jab at the PDP’s internal dysfunction.

 

The southern PDP governors currently in office include Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers). However, party insiders say this group is increasingly fractured amid uncertainty over the PDP’s direction and leadership.

 

One South-South governor in his second term is said to have met with his ethnic group’s leaders last week to finalise plans to declare open support for President Tinubu.

 

The same governor has reportedly clashed with influential PDP stakeholders in his state, heightening speculation of an imminent defection.

 

Another sitting governor from the region has already endorsed Tinubu and is lobbying his predecessor to join the pro-Tinubu coalition. However, long-standing political rifts between the former governor and his own predecessor appear to be complicating efforts.

 

Political analysts note that the PDP’s deepening internal strife is accelerating the defections. The unresolved dispute over the party’s national secretary position, combined with uncertainty around zoning and strategy for 2027, has reportedly left many members disillusioned.

 

“The internal wrangling and absence of clear direction have left many stakeholders frustrated,” one source said. “Some governors don’t see the PDP as viable for 2027 and are now exploring alternatives.”

 

All eyes are now on the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27, where party unity, leadership structure, and the 2027 game plan will be on the agenda.

 

Observers say the outcome could either provide a roadmap for recovery—or push more key figures out of the party.

 

With Tinubu steadily consolidating power and the APC gaining momentum in regions once dominated by the PDP, Nigeria’s political landscape appears headed for another major realignment.