Recent political events have seen a significant wave of defections across various states, primarily involving members switching from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Six members of the House of Representatives from Delta State—Victor Nwokolo, Julius Pondi, Thomas Ereyitomi, Nicholas Mutu, Ukodhiko Jonathan, and Ezechi Nnamdi—formally announced their defection from the PDP to the APC during a plenary session. Simultaneously, two LP lawmakers from Enugu State, Obetta Chidi and Dennis Agbo, crossed over to the PDP, citing internal divisions within their former party.

Some of the defectors, like Mutu, who has served in the House since 1999, attributed their decision to internal crises within the PDP. They claimed that unresolved leadership disputes were hindering their legislative performance. These defections mirror earlier realignments in Delta State, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s switch from the PDP to the APC.

In Edo State, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, defected from the PDP to the APC, along with two other lawmakers, Hon. Sunday Fada Eigbiremonlen and Hon. Idaiye Yekini Oisayemoje, and several PDP members. This shift has increased the APC’s representation in the 24-member Assembly to 18 seats, leaving the PDP with only six. Seventeen local government chairmen previously announced their departure from the PDP and were formally received into the APC.

APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, represented by National Secretary Senator Ajibola Bashiru, hailed these defections as a significant achievement for the party in Edo State, reflecting growing confidence in the APC-led administration. Governor Monday Okpebholo asserted that Edo is now on a path to accelerated development with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support, expressing optimism that the state would play a key role in securing Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. Senator Adams Oshiomhole remarked that the defectors were “returning home,” alleging they were misled by former Governor Godwin Obaseki to leave the APC.

The Delta State House of Assembly has also seen a dramatic shift, with Speaker Emomotimi Guwor and 21 other members defecting to the APC. This mass defection has effectively transformed the Delta State House of Assembly into a one-party legislature, as the remaining seven members were already affiliated with the APC. Speaker Guwor stated that this decision followed extensive consultations with constituents and political leaders across the state and aligns with Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution.

President Bola Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, viewed as a strategic move to consolidate the APC’s influence in the South-South region. Speculation suggests that more defections could occur, with Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Abba Yusuf of Kano, and Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara being courted by the APC. There are suggestions that Fubara’s continued tenure might depend on his defection to the APC and a pledge not to seek re-election.

Valentine Ozigbo, a former supporter of Peter Obi, has predicted further defections from the Labour Party, describing it as a “failing enterprise.” He stated that some elected LP officials have confided in him about their intentions to leave the party, criticizing the LP’s leadership and Peter Obi’s handling of internal issues. Ozigbo, who recently joined the APC, emphasized that his decision was driven by the LP’s perceived lack of effective leadership, though he maintains a civil relationship with Obi.

Amidst these shifts, disagreements have emerged within the APC regarding the potential defection of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP). Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, views Kwankwaso as a “spent politician” whose entry into the APC would create internal divisions. In contrast, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has indicated that Kwankwaso would be welcomed into the party “in the spirit of brotherliness.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed rumors of his defection to the APC, emphasizing the necessity of forming a coalition to challenge the APC-led government in 2027. Atiku asserted that such alliances are crucial for rebuilding the nation and providing an alternative to the ruling party, citing historical precedents. He also responded to criticisms from Daniel Bwala, a former spokesperson for Atiku’s 2023 presidential campaign who defected to the APC, condemning Bwala’s remarks as “disparaging” and “hypocritical.”