Hurricane Tinubu: Taraba, Plateau, Adamawa Governors Face Defection Pressure as PDP Battles for Survival
Nigeria’s political landscape faces renewed turbulence as several governors from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are reportedly considering defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), heightening concerns that the country may be drifting toward a one-party system ahead of the 2027 elections.
The PDP, which governed Nigeria for 16 years after the return to democracy in 1999, now controls only eight of the nation’s 36 states — Bauchi, Oyo, Adamawa, Osun, Plateau, Taraba, Zamfara, and Rivers — its weakest position since the beginning of the Fourth Republic.
Following recent defections by Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Peter Mbah (Enugu), speculations are mounting that governors in Taraba, Plateau, Adamawa, and Zamfara may soon cross over to the APC.
APC Confirms Ongoing Talks
APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, confirmed in an interview that the ruling party is in discussions with several governors from opposition parties.
He said, “It is a possibility that the Plateau and Taraba governors will join us, likewise Rivers’ Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Abia’s Governor Alex Otti. These are all high possibilities that may happen before our congresses.”
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Arodiogbu added that the APC’s inclusive structure and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu had made the party increasingly attractive. “The APC has become a home for all progressives,” he said.
Taraba: Kefas’ Possible Move
In Taraba State, reports suggest that Governor Agbu Kefas may soon abandon the PDP, ending the party’s 26-year dominance in the state.
Sources close to both parties say consultations are advanced, with Kefas’ allies reportedly in talks with top APC leaders in Abuja.
If confirmed, the defection would be a major political shift, potentially giving Kefas better access to federal support. However, PDP loyalists in the state describe the move as a “betrayal of mandate” that could destroy the party’s presence in the North-East.
Adamawa: Fintiri Holds His Ground
In Adamawa, speculation persists over Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s possible defection. APC officials in the state have claimed ongoing talks, but Fintiri’s aides insist he remains committed to the PDP.
The governor reportedly turned down offers of political incentives, including control over future nominations, in exchange for joining the ruling party.
Plateau: Mutfwang Under Pressure
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has publicly acknowledged pressure to join the APC but insists he will remain with the PDP.
At a recent event in Jos, he said, “Only God and the people who elected me can decide my political direction.”
While the Plateau APC leadership has opposed his entry, the North Central APC Forum has urged him to defect, describing him as a “valuable asset” for the party ahead of 2027.
Zamfara: Mixed Signals
In Zamfara State, speculation around Governor Dauda Lawal’s possible defection continues after several PDP officials joined the APC. However, Lawal’s media aide, Mustafa Kaura, dismissed the reports, stating that the governor “will not betray the electorate who voted him under the PDP.”
Despite denials, the APC claims it remains open to welcoming strong political figures from opposition parties, emphasizing that the movement strengthens Nigeria’s democracy.
Political analysts, however, warn that the steady wave of defections could undermine the nation’s multiparty balance, eroding checks and competition vital to a functioning democracy.