Are Political Defections in Nigeria Reshaping the Balance of Power?
Even by early 2026, Nigeria’s political landscape continued to shift dramatically. Over the past year, several governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties switched to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), reshaping the balance of power across the states and at the federal level. While Nigeria is still officially a multi-party democracy, these moves have sparked discussions about whether the country is moving toward a system where one party dominates, leaving opposition voices weaker and fewer choices for voters.
The trend is part of a broader history of defections in Nigeria. In previous election cycles, politicians frequently switched parties, often citing alignment with the federal government as the reason. But the pace and scale of the 2025–2026 wave is unusual. What once were isolated cases now involve whole blocs of lawmakers moving alongside governors, a development that has national implications.
The first major defection in this cycle came in April 2025, when Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta State, left the PDP for the APC. Delta, a key oil-producing state in the South-South, had long been considered a stronghold of the PDP, making Oborevwori’s move a major political shock. He arrived at the APC state headquarters accompanied by top party officials and lawmakers, many of whom also announced their intention to switch sides. This set the tone for the months ahead, signaling that defections were becoming an organised trend rather than sporadic events.
In June 2025, Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom State, followed suit. At a public ceremony, Eno said joining the APC would help him deliver development projects and infrastructure more effectively. His move triggered resignations in the cabinet, as some officials refused to switch parties. Later in October, Peter Mbah of Enugu State joined the APC, followed in November by Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, who moved along with several lawmakers in the state House of Assembly. Finally, in December 2025, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State formalised their defections. By the end of the year, the APC had expanded its control to nearly 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states.
Not all governors defected. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State remained loyal to the PDP, while Ademola Adeleke of Osun State resigned from the PDP and joined the Accord Party instead. These exceptions illustrate that political realignment in Nigeria is not uniform; some leaders are seeking alternatives outside the two dominant parties, showing that political dynamics remain complex and fluid.
What This Means for Power and Politics
The growing dominance of the APC has reshaped how political power operates in Nigeria. Governors control state resources, party structures, and local campaigning networks. With most governors now aligned with the ruling party, the APC enjoys an advantage in preparing for elections and influencing voters, giving it what critics call a structural edge over opposition parties.
Some worry that this could reduce meaningful competition. When one party controls so many states, the opposition’s ability to organise, fund campaigns, and mobilise supporters is weakened. For voters, this may mean fewer options and less accountability, as the ruling party faces less challenge in implementing policies or making decisions. In the extreme, these dynamics can edge the country closer to a dominant-party system, where one party consistently wins elections and opposition voices struggle to be heard.
Supporters of the APC reject these concerns, arguing that defections are simply a result of politicians making personal choices. They say the PDP and smaller parties remain free to recruit members, contest elections, and present alternative policies. While this is technically true, the concentration of governors, lawmakers, and state resources in one party gives the APC a level of influence that smaller parties can rarely match.
For ordinary Nigerians, the impact is both visible and subtle. Voters in states where governors have switched parties sometimes feel that their original mandate has been altered without their consent. This can create cynicism or apathy, especially among young voters who already feel disconnected from the political process. At the same time, some citizens see alignment with the federal government as a practical move, believing it could lead to more projects and funding for their states.
History shows that dominance does not guarantee victory. In 2023, the APC lost Lagos State despite controlling the governorship and much of the local political machinery. Analysts say this demonstrates that voters can still challenge entrenched parties, particularly in urban areas with more politically active populations. The upcoming 2027 elections will be the first real test of whether the APC’s expanded reach will translate into nationwide success or whether voters will push back against dominance.
The Role of Opposition and the ADC
For the PDP, the wave of defections has been a blow to its national strength. Factional disputes over leadership, zoning, and campaign strategy have weakened the party’s cohesion. With fewer governors and a reduced presence in state legislatures, the PDP faces the daunting task of rebuilding organisational structures while presenting a credible alternative to the APC.
Newer parties are attempting to fill this vacuum, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) emerging as a notable example. A major boost came on December 31, 2025, when Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, formally joined the ADC. His move drew national attention and signaled that the party could become a serious third force in Nigerian politics. Around the same time, several lawmakers and political figures also joined the ADC, expanding its presence in federal and state assemblies.
ADC leaders have framed the APC’s absorption of governors as opportunistic and have stressed the importance of political pluralism and principled leadership. They aim to attract voters dissatisfied with both the ruling party and the weakened PDP. Yet the party faces significant challenges. Building networks across Nigeria’s 36 states, mobilising grassroots support, and unifying fragmented opposition forces are tasks that will determine whether the ADC can convert visibility into real electoral success.
For ordinary voters, the growing dominance of the APC is a double-edged sword. Some see benefits in a strong ruling party that can deliver projects and maintain policy consistency. Others worry that limited opposition reduces debate, weakens accountability, and makes elections feel less competitive. The ability of parties like the ADC to reach citizens directly, present clear policies, and offer real alternatives will influence whether Nigerians feel they have a choice in 2027.
Nigeria is still far from a one-party state in the legal sense. Multiple parties operate nationwide, field candidates, and participate in public discourse. Yet the trend of governors switching to the APC shows how political dominance can tilt the playing field, making it harder for other parties to compete. Whether this dominance persists or whether voters and opposition parties push back will shape the future of Nigerian democracy. The 2027 elections will reveal whether the APC’s rise leads to genuine power consolidation or whether opposition parties, especially the ADC, can restore balance and give citizens meaningful choices.
