Fears are growing that Nigeria may be drifting toward a one-party state as the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) struggles to retain its few remaining strongholds amid a wave of defections by key governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Findings by The PUNCH reveal that four PDP governors from the North are in advanced talks to join the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections a move that could further weaken the opposition and tilt Nigeria’s political balance heavily in favour of the ruling party.
The PDP, which once dominated Nigeria’s political landscape and held the presidency for 16 consecutive years after the country’s return to democracy in 1999, now governs only eight of the 36 states Bauchi, Oyo, Adamawa, Osun, Plateau, Taraba, Zamfara, and Rivers. The situation marks its weakest position in the Fourth Republic.
The recent defection of Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, and Peter Mbah of Enugu to the APC has further depleted the PDP’s ranks. With speculations mounting that more governors including those of Plateau, Taraba, Rivers, and Adamawa may soon follow suit, political observers warn that the country risks losing its tradition of multiparty democracy.
A political analyst told The PUNCH, “The ruling APC’s growing dominance is not just about numbers; it’s about perception. Opposition politics no longer seems to pay in Nigeria.”
Confirming the development, APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, said talks were ongoing with some PDP and Labour Party governors, hinting that the defections could happen before the end of the year. “We expect that to happen before our congresses. The APC remains the dominant and most organised political platform in Nigeria,” he said.
In Taraba, strong indications suggest that Governor Agbu Kefas may soon dump the PDP for the APC — a move that could end the PDP’s 26-year reign in the state. Sources confirmed that consultations were ongoing, with Kefas’s allies already in contact with top APC figures in Abuja.
Similarly, in Adamawa, speculation continues to swirl around Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s possible defection. Though the APC insists discussions are ongoing, his aides have dismissed the claims, saying Fintiri remains firmly with the PDP.
In Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang admitted he had come under pressure to defect but vowed to remain loyal to the PDP. “It’s true there has been pressure on me, but only two entities can authorise me to change my party God and the people,” he said.
The situation in Zamfara further highlights the PDP’s internal troubles. In recent days, at least 15 prominent members of the party, including close allies of Governor Dauda Lawal, have defected to the APC. However, Lawal’s spokesperson, Mustafa Kaura, denied rumours that the governor would follow suit, insisting he had no plans to abandon the PDP.
Analysts say the mass defections reflect a broader crisis of ideology and loyalty in Nigerian politics, where access to federal power often outweighs party principles.
“When politicians switch sides simply for convenience, democracy suffers,” said political analyst Jide Olatunbosun. “Without a strong and credible opposition, there can be no real checks on power.”
As the 2027 general elections approach, the PDP faces one of the toughest battles in its history whether it can hold on to its few remaining strongholds or watch them slip away, one after another, in the race for political survival.
