Nigerians may be whinning and grumbling over the rising cost of living, but for politicians holding the reins of power over their lives, it is time for political razzmatazz.
Farmers and businessmen who harvested and hoarded foodstuff, especially grains, for a better gain this year, they have gambled wrongly as prices have tumbled following the opening up and flooding of the market with grains by government. A relaxation and opening of the ports and borders for importation has also left farmers and hoarders stranded. But Nigerians are yet complaining of biting poverty, lack of cash to buy the basics, pay rising school fees, and pay high accommodation charges.
However, a significant political shift is underway as twelve federal lawmakers—including two senators and ten members of the House of Representatives—along with several state assembly members, have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP), citing the need to align with the federal government.
Many have described the political shifts as “where belle (stomach) face” politics, but others see it as a matter of political survival for those defecting. A mischievous group say it is preparatory to the crash of the APC as moles are also moving to work as fifth columnists
This political migration in Akwa Ibom is anchored by Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, who formally joined the APC, making him the second PDP governor from the South-South to cross over after Delta State’s Sheriff Oborevwori switched parties in April.
Among those pledging allegiance to the APC are Senators Ekong Sampson and Aniekan Bassey and House of Representatives members Okpolupm Etteh, Paul Asuquo, Alphonsus Uduak, Ime Bassey, Martins Esin, Unyime Idem, and Mark Esset. Emmanuel Ukpongudo of the YPP has also signaled his intention to defect.
Despite this high-profile shift, resistance persists. Three commissioners in Eno’s cabinet have resigned, choosing not to follow the governor to the APC. Notably absent from the defection ceremony was Eno’s predecessor and political mentor, Udom Emmanuel, who has vowed to remain loyal to the PDP.
Unlike Oborevwori, who reportedly carried the entire Delta PDP structure into the APC, Eno’s defection appears more limited in scope—largely affecting federal lawmakers and a few appointees.
The defection wave has spread beyond Akwa Ibom. Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South), elected on the Labour Party ticket, announced plans to join the APC on June 12. Citing disarray in the LP and a desire to align Edo South with federal development programs, Imasuen said the move is in the best interest of his constituents.
Similarly, Senator Ahmed Wadada (Nasarawa West), formerly of the Social Democratic Party, is expected to join the APC soon. Wadada attributed his exit to “irreconcilable differences” with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, whose defection to the SDP reportedly caused rifts in the party.
In Bauchi, the PDP dismissed Eno’s defection as a betrayal but not a crisis. The state party’s Publicity Secretary, Dayyabu Ciroma, accused Eno of “romancing the APC” since his swearing-in and vowed that the PDP would retake the state in 2027.
He emphasised that Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed remains committed to the PDP and hinted at a possible 2027 presidential bid for the governor.
Taraba’s PDP Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, also ruled out any defection by Governor Agbu Kefas, reaffirming the state’s status as a PDP stronghold. He credited the governor’s loyalty to the party and praised his recent salary reforms and governance track record.
In Zamfara, Governor Dauda Lawal dismissed speculation about a possible defection. His media aide, Mustafa Kaura, insisted the governor had no intention of joining the APC, reiterating his commitment to the PDP platform.
This followed a jab by APC chieftain Bello Matawalle, who accused Lawal of “playing hide and seek” with the ruling party.
With the APC now controlling 23 states, the PDP holding just 10, and three other parties holding one state each, political analysts say the shifting alliances could dramatically reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Observers note that President Tinubu’s administration is steadily consolidating power, and the party’s aggressive recruitment drive could further weaken the opposition.
Still, PDP loyalists insist that the party’s ideological base and grassroots appeal remain intact.
For now, all eyes are on the remaining PDP governors as the political chessboard continues to evolve.
