In recent years, several sitting governors in Nigeria have made the bold decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and join the All Progressives Congress (APC) while still in office. These defections have significantly impacted the political landscape. Here’s a look at some of the notable governors who made the switch:
Sheriff Oborevwori
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori made headlines on Wednesday when he officially left the PDP for the APC. This defection is particularly significant as it marks a major shift in Delta, a state that has been a stronghold for the PDP since 1999. Oborevwori’s predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, also made the same move to the APC.
Dave Umahi
In November 2020, Dave Umahi, the former Governor of Ebonyi State, left the PDP to join the APC during his second term. Umahi cited the APC’s focus on infrastructure and the marginalization of the Southeast by the PDP as key reasons for his defection.
Bello Matawalle
In June 2021, the former Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, made the move from PDP to APC. His decision was driven by political instability in Zamfara, and he hoped the APC alliance would help him maintain control and stability in the state.
Ben Ayade
Ben Ayade, the former Governor of Cross River State, defected from the PDP to the APC in May 2021. Ayade explained that his decision was influenced by the desire to align with the federal government under President Buhari, hoping to attract more development projects to his state.
Aminu Tambuwal
Aminu Tambuwal, the former Governor of Sokoto State, left the PDP for the APC before the 2015 elections. He later returned to the PDP in 2018. Tambuwal was also rumored to be considering another move to the APC during his time in office.
Aliyu Wamakko
Aliyu Wamakko, the former Governor of Sokoto State, switched from the PDP to the APC in 2014 ahead of the 2015 general elections, which saw the APC win power.
Abdulfatah Ahmed
In 2014, Abdulfatah Ahmed, the former Governor of Kwara State, left the PDP to join the APC. However, he later returned to the PDP.
These defections have shifted the political balance in Nigeria, with more governors expected to join the APC as the 2027 elections approach, according to APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the defections of sitting governors highlight the ongoing changes in Nigeria’s political scene.
