2027 Polls: some PDP governors may join APC as preparation for next General Elections kickstarts
Apparently, preparation for the 2027 polls have begun as both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the major opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC), gear for another political showdown.
Since the re-introduction of the Democracy into Nigeria’s political system in 1999, the power tussle has always been between two parties.
Currently, the PDP and APC have also been battling it out since 2015, following coalition of six parties in 2011 to end the reign of PDP in 2015.
In 2023, the last general elections, the two parties shockingly were shaken by the emergence of “Third Force” (Labor Party), flag-borne by former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, who almost found his way to Presidency.
Though, despite losing out to the incumbent president, Bola Tinubu, labor Party was still able to win other seats both at state and federal levels.
Recently, rumors have materialized from various quarters that there are plans that some governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are looking to switch allegiance to All Progressives Congress (APC).
There are unwavering indications, emanating from Delta State Government, that some governors elected under the umbrella of the PDP are looking to move-in to APC ahead of 2027 polls.
According to reports, the concerned PDP governors are not considering party-switch because of the crises which have rocked the PDP in recent years, especially with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.
A source close to the party, the prerequisite for their decision to switch party is the fact that some PDP governors are already visiting President Tinubu in his Lagos residence, while others are also inviting to commission projects carried out in their various states.
Again, the Imo State Governor and the Chairman of All Progressives Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has also been alleged to having been persuading other governors to join him at APC.
It can be recalled that delta State Governor Sheriff Oboroewori, recently, canvassed support from the state for the president.
When he noted that one of his administration’s priorities is to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration as the president continues to fulfil his campaign promises by delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda for the amelioration of Nigerians.
The governor, who was stood-in by Delta State Commissioner for information, Ifeanyi Osuoza, stated at the opening ceremony of the 5th Edition of Delta State Communication Workshop, tagged, “Advancing Delta: Strategies for Public Communication and Effective Media Management,’’ in Asaba, Delta State’s capital.
It is also to be called that President Tinubu, last weekend, commended Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, on leadership style and commitment to development, calling him a focused and result-oriented leader.
Tinubu, who spoke amidst his first working visit to Enugu State, where he commissioned several projects, praised Mbah for his fantastic job and expressed his satisfaction and joy that Enugu State is making great strides.
“I salute Peter Mbah for his commitment to development. You’ve built a solid team and I’ve reviewed a number of things with you in Abuja,” he said.
2027 Polls: Some PDP Governors May Join APC
“You’ve impressed me with the technological advancements in the state and the support you’ve garnered from the private sector. I know your background,” Tinubu added.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State was in the midst of the first set of visitors to pay homage to President Bola Tinubu at Bourdilon−his Lagos residence−to felicitate with him during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Meanwhile, a group, known to be under the umbrella of concerned leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, has called on Oborevwori to be more precise on his allegation that some governors are planning to dump the party for APC ahead of the 2027 general election.
Stated in an open letter to the governor, with a copy in circulation yesterday, the group disclosed that it has been a norm for the Delta State governor to associate them with his plans, as it would reassure them about their future in the PDP.
2027 Polls: Some PDP Governors May Join APC
In the letter, titled: “Open letter to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to confirm the rumors of his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC,” was signed by Theophilus Ekiyor; Ochuko Oghenekome and Ezekiel Chukwudi respectively.
“We, the concerned Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, are compelled to address you in this open letter regarding the very disturbing rumors of your alleged plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC, to secure your governorship seat ahead of 2027 general elections, the letter read, the letter read.
“The rumor mills are agog with stories of your intention of cross-carpeting to the ruling party at the center, the All Progressives Congress, APC.
“That you have been secretly romancing top aides of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Top presidential aide and allies of the President mentioned as your point men for your new venture include; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who are now working to facilitate a meeting between you and President Tinubu on this self-seeking agenda.
“Your ultimate goal, as pointed out by those close to you, is to obtain approval to join the APC. In this regard, we are deeply troubled by these flying and unconfirmed rumors.
“We, therefore, demand prompt clarification from you to put us in the picture. A delayed response could be considered as glaring evidence of your compromised position,” it concluded.
2027 Polls: Some PDP Governors May Join APC
