Fresh indications have emerged that more governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Nigeria’s southern region are preparing to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027. This development comes amid ongoing political negotiations aimed at maintaining the informal power rotation between the North and South.
According to Leadership Newspaper, talks among senior political leaders indicate that additional defections from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are likely to happen soon. These discussions revolve around the idea of balancing power between the two regions, with many southern PDP governors leaning toward backing Tinubu.
A source close to the matter told Leadership, “The PDP governors from the South are largely going to support Tinubu because of the North-South power rotation. Just as Buhari completed two terms for the North, many believe Tinubu should complete the same for the South.”
Recently, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori officially switched allegiance to the APC. Similarly, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno hinted at moving toward Tinubu’s camp, using the metaphor of not flying in a “faulty plane,” which many interpret as a critique of ongoing challenges within the PDP.
Currently, six southern states have PDP governors: Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers). The South used to be a stronghold for the PDP, but since 2015, the APC has steadily gained influence there.
One South-South governor, now in his second term, recently met with ethnic bloc leaders to finalize his support for Tinubu. This governor has had disagreements with important PDP members in his state and is expected to publicly announce his position soon.
Another South-South governor has also voiced support for Tinubu and is trying to convince his predecessor to join the pro-Tinubu group. However, the former governor is reluctant because of unresolved political tensions with his own predecessor.
Sources note that ongoing problems within the PDP, such as the fight over the national secretary position and unclear plans for 2027’s zoning, have caused frustration. “The internal wrangling and absence of clear direction have left many stakeholders frustrated. Some governors don’t see the PDP as viable for 2027 and are now exploring alternatives,” a source added.
The PDP is set to hold a National Executive Committee meeting on May 27. The gathering will focus on party leadership, zoning arrangements, and strategies for the next elections.
