Nigeria's political landscape is experiencing significant shifts as prominent figures and numerous party members defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general election. These mass defections are occurring across different states, notably Ogun and Akwa Ibom, signaling a consolidation of power for the APC.

In Ogun State, Adekunle Akinlade, who served as the deputy governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, along with Sikirulai Ogundele, a factional chairman of the PDP in the state, officially announced their move to the APC. They were formally received at the APC secretariat in Abeokuta. Akinlade described the defection as a “homecoming,” stating that thousands of PDP and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) members were joining them. He emphasized that the decision was a unified one, following internal consultations and an agreement with the state governor. Ogundele, referring to himself as the structural leader of the PDP in Ogun, asserted that his defection would bring a substantial portion of the PDP's organizational framework into the APC fold. Both leaders praised President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun for their impactful leadership, highlighting the need to align with the changing political rhythm in Nigeria.

Similarly, Akwa Ibom State has witnessed a wave of defections to the APC. Seven members of the House of Representatives from Akwa Ibom, comprising six from the PDP and one from the Young Progressives Party (YPP), formally announced their defection. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas confirmed these developments during a plenary session, reading their letters of defection. The defecting lawmakers include Paul Ekpo, Eteh Ikpong, Unyime Idem (representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam), Martin Esin (representing Mbo/Okobo/Oron/Udung Uko/Urue Offong/Oruko), Uduak Alphonsos (representing Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo), Okon Bassey (representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom), and Emmanuel Udom (representing Ikono/Ini, from YPP). These lawmakers cited divisions within their former parties and the strategic necessity of aligning with the party at the national level as reasons for their switch.

These defections from Akwa Ibom follow an earlier move by Governor Umo Eno, who had also defected from the PDP to the APC in June, after three months of extensive consultations. Governor Eno had expressed his admiration for President Bola Tinubu and stressed the importance of Akwa Ibom State aligning with the federal government for continuous benefits. Furthermore, he had issued a directive for all his commissioners to follow him to the APC or resign their positions. This directive led to the resignation of Ini Ememobong, the Akwa Ibom state commissioner for information, strategy, and special duties, who cited personal conviction and ideological differences with the APC.

The timing of these significant defections is noteworthy, occurring shortly after opposition leaders unveiled the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a new coalition platform aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Despite the formation of new opposition alliances, the APC continues to attract key political figures and party structures, indicating a dynamic and evolving pre-election political environment in Nigeria.