APC Gains Ground in Delta, Enugu, Ebonyi: Tinubu’s Influence Expands Ahead of 2027

President Bola Tinubu is gaining significant ground in the South-South and South-East as a wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) reshapes the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, recently announced their defection to the APC alongside several party stakeholders. This shift follows earlier moves by former Governor James Ibori, his daughter Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, and Senator Ned Nwoko, signaling a major political realignment in the region. Oborevwori is now poised to lead the APC in Delta, further solidifying Tinubu’s influence.

The APC currently governs three of the six states in the Niger Delta and two of the five South-East states. More defections from the PDP are anticipated, with speculations surrounding a South-East governor reportedly considering a similar move. Though undecided, the state APC chapter has praised the governor’s performance, adding fuel to the rumors.

In Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno has publicly backed Tinubu’s re-election bid, calling him a visionary and inclusive leader. Despite this endorsement, Eno’s administration clarified he remains in the PDP, framing the support as strategic rather than partisan—aimed at securing federal collaboration and development projects like the Ibom Deep Seaport.

In Rivers State, the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara reportedly met with Tinubu in London and is expected to join the APC. The meeting is seen as part of efforts to reinstate Fubara following the declaration of emergency rule in the state.

Speaking on the political shift, Commissioner Charles Aniagwu revealed that the decision for Delta leaders to join the APC followed broad consultations. He cited the need to adapt to changing political dynamics, likening it to adjusting drinking patterns when the taste of palm wine changes.

Former PDP Senator James Manager also attributed the move to internal instability within the PDP, stating that the decision was collective and inevitable. The defection was finalized at a stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba, attended by top state officials and party leaders.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, celebrated the development, declaring Delta “finally APC” and praising Tinubu’s leadership for attracting new allies.

In Enugu State, about 150 members of the PDP and Labour Party also joined the APC, including prominent political figures. The defection, announced at an expanded stakeholders’ meeting, further strengthens APC’s position in the region and aligns with Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

Ebonyi State witnessed similar political shifts, with former PDP acting chairman Ifeanyi Nworie and ex-Senate President Pius Anyim leading a mass defection to the APC. Anyim emphasized that the decision reflected longstanding intentions and a desire for political unity in the state.

In Abia, former PDP chieftain Prince Chidi Ogbulafor joined the APC, with expectations that former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu may follow due to his political alliance with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

The defections have sparked strong reactions. PDP stalwart Chief Bode George decried the moves as attempts to force a one-party state and accused the APC of coercing governors using state power. He urged Deltans to remain loyal to the PDP.

Similarly, PDP chieftain Dele Momodu criticized defectors for citing EFCC investigations as justification, arguing that such explanations are insincere.

Meanwhile, Wike praised Okowa’s defection as vindication of his opposition to PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. He urged others to support Tinubu, calling the move a recognition of good governance.

The APC’s National Working Committee welcomed the Delta defections, promising full integration of new members and reaffirming the party’s commitment to national development through the “Renewed Hope” agenda.

With political tides turning in Tinubu’s favor, particularly in traditionally PDP-dominated regions, the 2027 electoral terrain is already taking shape with the APC steadily consolidating its national grip.