Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria’s political terrain is undergoing a seismic shift as President Bola Tinubu’s strategic leadership strengthens the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and weakens the once-formidable opposition blocs.
In recent weeks, high-profile defections from opposition parties to the APC have highlighted Tinubu’s growing influence. While critics allege coercion and inducements, loyalists insist the president’s vision for Nigeria’s future is the true magnet behind the defections.
A Strategic Realignment Under Tinubu’s Watch
Sources within the APC confirm that President Tinubu’s political maneuvers are at the heart of the growing wave of defections. Notably, governors such as Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Aba Yusuf (Kano), and the embattled Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) are reportedly on the brink of joining the APC.
The recent defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other prominent PDP leaders further illustrates the shift in Nigeria’s political center of gravity toward the ruling party.
Allegations of Inducement and the Battle for Political Survival.
Opposition figures claim that inducements and political arm-twisting have influenced these high-profile shifts. A notable flashpoint was a reported meeting between President Tinubu and Governor Fubara in London, which insiders suggest may have sealed Fubara’s political realignment.
Additionally, allegations surrounding corruption probes, particularly concerning Governor Eno’s alleged dealings with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have fueled speculation that personal survival is influencing political choices.
Despite these controversies, APC officials, including Senator Ajibola Basiru, maintain that the defections are based on genuine political alignment rather than any form of coercion.
Consolidating Power: APC’s Expanding Influence.
Tinubu’s reconciliation efforts within the APC have paid dividends, notably mending fences between Kano powerhouses Abdullahi Ganduje and Rabiu Kwankwaso. This newfound unity is paving the way for Aba Yusuf’s expected defection and boosting the APC’s strength in the politically strategic Kano State.
Moreover, the APC continues to bolster its majority in the National Assembly, as several lawmakers from the opposition cross party lines, consolidating Tinubu’s grip on legislative power.
Opposition in Disarray: Cracks Within PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP.
Nigeria’s major opposition parties—PDP, Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—are grappling with internal crises that have been exacerbated by recent defections.
The PDP, long plagued by a power tussle between Atiku Abubakar’s loyalists and supporters of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, faces deepening divisions. Wike’s open support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid further complicates the party’s recovery efforts.
The Labour Party is mired in leadership disputes, with multiple factions claiming legitimacy. This internal chaos has driven key figures like Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi and Esosa Iyawe into the welcoming arms of the APC.
Meanwhile, the NNPP finds itself at a crossroads, with senior figures debating whether to forge alliances, maintain independence, or integrate into the ruling party structure.
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Looking Ahead: 2027 Elections and the APC’s Strategic Dominance.
Political analysts view the defections as part of a broader realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has previously suggested that the APC is intentionally exploiting opposition weaknesses to secure long-term dominance.
Presidential aides argue that the influx of defectors is testament to Tinubu’s inclusive leadership style and political dexterity. Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, emphasized that the APC’s growing appeal stems from Tinubu’s ability to present the party as a stable and progressive platform for Nigeria’s future.
Supporters also point to Tinubu’s extensive experience as an opposition leader, noting that his political resilience has equipped him to consolidate power more effectively than his predecessors.
The Future of Nigerian Politics.
As the defections continue, Nigeria’s political map is being redrawn. The APC’s expanding footprint could signal the dawn of a new era of political dominance under Tinubu. However, whether the opposition can regroup and mount a credible challenge remains to be seen.
One certainty is clear: the 2027 elections will be shaped by the alliances and fractures currently unfolding across Nigeria’s political spectrum.
