Mass defection looms as more PDP governors, lawmakers prepare to join APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is expecting a fresh wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and federal lawmakers in the coming weeks.

This development follows the dramatic defection last week of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor and former PDP vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, and all PDP members in Delta State to the ruling party.

The defection was formalized in Asaba, where the APC National Chairman, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, presented the party flag to the defectors, flanked by Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo and other party leaders.

A senior APC insider revealed that at least one more PDP governor and up to 20 federal lawmakers are expected to join the APC soon. The source described the expected defections as “almost a done deal.”

“Everyone heard when the Akwa Ibom Governor, Umoh Eno, said he would be supporting President Tinubu’s re-election. Not long after, we saw the Delta Governor join the APC with his predecessor.

“In a matter of weeks, more governors and lawmakers will follow. The PDP is literally dead,” the source told Daily Sun.

The defection wave is reportedly tied to a confidential agreement between President Bola Tinubu and several PDP governors who have pledged support for his 2027 re-election bid.

The recent defections have drawn sharp criticism from PDP stalwarts.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the move, stressing the importance of democratic principles.

Former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, said he was “shell-shocked” by the defection, noting that Oborevwori and Okowa were elected under a party that he described as “organised,” unlike the APC, which he labelled “unorganised.”

Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum, called the defections unfortunate but insisted that they would not affect the opposition party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.