One-Party Nation? Tinubu’s APC Gains Massive Ground With High-Profile Defections

• APC targets 4 more PDP governors, 10 Akwa Ibom federal lawmakers join Eno • Senators from Edo, Nasarawa also dumping LP, SDP

The political climate is heating up as President Bola Tinubu’s influence continues to sweep across Nigeria’s political landscape, triggering a wave of high-profile defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the latest shake-up, 10 National Assembly members from Akwa Ibom State—elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP)—have resolved to defect to the APC, following Governor Umo Eno’s recent switch to the ruling party.

They are set to be joined by two senators: Neda Imasuen (Edo South, Labour Party) and Ahmed Wadada (Nasarawa West, Social Democratic Party), who have also indicated intentions to align with the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This follows growing speculation that the APC is actively courting at least four PDP governors as part of its broader strategy to consolidate political power, a move critics argue is veering Nigeria towards a one-party state.

Although some of the defecting lawmakers declined to speak on the record, citing legislative protocols, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, confirmed their defection plans.

The Akwa Ibom lawmakers making the switch include Senators Ekong Sampson (South) and Aniekan Bassey (North-East), along with Representatives Okpolupm Etteh, Paul Asuquo, Alphonsus Uduak, Ime Bassey, Martins Esin, Unyime Idem, Mark Esset, and Emmanuel Ukpongudo (YPP).

Governor Eno’s defection last Friday reportedly set the ball rolling. Citing the need for Akwa Ibom to align with the federal government, he declared his decision during a gathering in Uyo, describing it as the result of “three months of consultations” with stakeholders.

“My decision today is about continuity of our shared values, not political betrayal,” Eno said, adding that he had submitted his resignation letter to the PDP at both the ward and national levels.

Unlike Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who defected with nearly the entire state PDP structure, Eno’s move received mixed reactions. Three of his commissioners opted to resign rather than follow him into the APC, and his predecessor and political mentor, Udom Emmanuel, was notably absent from the defection event.

A lawmaker from the group stated the switch wasn’t due to pressure but loyalty:

“We left with the governor on June 6. All federal lawmakers from Akwa Ibom followed him. It was voluntary.”

The lawmakers are expected to formalize their defections when the National Assembly reconvenes on June 17. Their letters will be read on the floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

Meanwhile, Senator Neda Imasuen of Edo South confirmed plans to defect from the Labour Party to the APC on June 12. Citing chaos within the LP, he said aligning with the APC would help bring development to Edo South under the Tinubu administration.

In Nasarawa, Senator Ahmed Wadada’s looming defection from the SDP is attributed to “irreconcilable differences” with former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai, whose recent move to the SDP has sparked internal divisions. While Wadada hasn’t publicly named the APC as his destination, close aides say the move is imminent.

APC’s Dr. Arodiogbu confirmed the strategy is yielding results.

“Akwa Ibom is a clean sweep,” he declared. “We’re now working on the few holdouts. We’re also expecting more PDP governors from states like Adamawa, Plateau, Osun, and Bayelsa to join soon.”

He denied claims of coercion or inducement, insisting the defections were driven by the visible success of the Tinubu-led Renewed Hope Agenda.

“No one is forced. What we’re seeing is people aligning with progress,” he said.

The APC now controls 23 of Nigeria’s 36 states, leaving the PDP with just 10. Other parties—APGA, LP, and NNPP—each control one state.

Pressure Mounts on PDP Governors

Speculation is rife about potential defections from other PDP-led states. Governors Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Rivers’ suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara are said to be under intense watch.

Fintiri’s recent meeting with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has only fueled rumors of a possible switch, especially given his increasingly strained relationship with PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, who has recently rekindled ties with his 2023 opponent, Aishatu Binani.

In Bauchi State, the PDP downplayed the defection of Governor Eno. Party spokesperson Dayyabu Ciroma called it a betrayal of Udom Emmanuel, saying Eno had been “romancing” the APC since taking office.

“We’re not surprised. And we won’t wish him well,” Ciroma said, vowing the PDP would reclaim the state in 2027.

He reaffirmed that Bauchi remains a PDP stronghold and hinted at Governor Bala Mohammed’s potential run for presidency in 2027.

In Taraba, party officials dismissed suggestions that Governor Agbu Kefas would defect, noting the state’s long-standing loyalty to the PDP since 1999.