In Nigerian politics, party loyalty is often tested by shifting allegiances, as political figures navigate the complex landscape of power dynamics and regional interests. Over the years, several sitting governors have made the Controversial decision to defect from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), sometimes while still in office. These defections have not only reshaped the political map but have also sparked debates on the motivations behind such moves, whether driven by personal ambitions, regional development goals, or national political strategies. Here are seven governors who have made significant political shifts, leaving their former party allegiances behind to join the APC while in office.
- Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State)
In a surprising move, Governor Oborevwori of Delta State defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on April 23. This defection has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, marking a significant shift in a state that has been a stronghold for the PDP since 1999. - Dave Umahi (Ebonyi State)
In November 2020, Governor Dave Umahi shocked his supporters and critics alike by leaving the PDP for APC during his second term in office. Umahi, citing the marginalization of the Southeast region by the PDP, praised the APC’s infrastructure development focus under President Buhari as his reason for the defection. - Ben Ayade (Cross River State)
Governor Ben Ayade’s defection from PDP to APC in May 2021 was a strategic move to align with the federal government. Ayade emphasized that his decision would help bring more development projects to Cross River, seeking better economic prospects for his state. - Bello Matawalle (Zamfara State)
In June 2021, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara joined APC amid growing political instability in his state. His defection was seen as a move to secure his position and maintain control over the state’s political landscape while aligning with the federal government. - Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto State)
Aminu Tambuwal initially defected from PDP to APC before the 2015 elections but returned to PDP in 2018. However, his political maneuvering and occasional ties to APC while in office show his strategic positioning as he navigates the turbulent waters of Nigerian politics. - Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto State)
Governor Aliyu Wamakko’s shift to APC in 2014 during his tenure marked a pivotal moment in Sokoto’s political history. As one of the early defectors, Wamakko played a key role in APC's rise and eventual victory in the 2015 general elections. - Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara State)
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed defected from PDP to APC in 2014 during the infamous “political tsunami” in Kwara, alongside Bukola Saraki. Though he returned to PDP later, his move to APC during his tenure was a significant event that impacted Kwara politics and the national landscape.
These defections reflect the fluid and dynamic nature of Nigerian politics, with governors frequently shifting allegiances to align with what they perceive as the best interests of their political careers and their states.
