President Bola Tinubu’s political reach is expanding rapidly as more lawmakers and political leaders defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akwa Ibom Lawmakers Follow Governor Eno to APC
Ten members of the National Assembly from Akwa Ibom State, elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Young Peoples Party (YPP), have declared their intention to join Governor Umo Eno in the APC. This includes two senators — Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South) and Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East) — and eight House of Representatives members.
A YPP member, Emmanuel Ukpongudo, is also joining the ruling party. Their decision aligns with Governor Eno’s recent defection to the APC, announced last Friday. Eno stated that aligning Akwa Ibom, an oil-rich state, with the federal government would benefit the state.
APC Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, confirmed the lawmakers’ plans and noted that almost all Akwa Ibom House of Assembly members are set to defect as well, with just a few undecided. He emphasized that their decision was voluntary and driven by confidence in President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Senators from Edo and Nasarawa Also Set to Defect
Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South, Labour Party) and Senator Ahmed Wadada (Nasarawa West, Social Democratic Party) have also expressed intentions to join the APC.
Imasuen, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Ethics and Public Petitions, said the Labour Party’s internal crisis and his desire to bring development to his constituency led to the decision. He plans to formally defect on June 12.
Wadada cited irreconcilable differences with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, who recently joined the SDP, as his reason for leaving the party. Although he hasn’t officially announced his next political move, close aides suggest he is heading to the APC.
APC Courts More PDP Governors
The APC leadership is reportedly in talks with more PDP governors to join the ruling party. According to Dr. Arodiogbu, the APC is actively engaging governors from Adamawa, Plateau, Osun, and Bayelsa.
He dismissed accusations that the APC was attempting to create a one-party state, insisting that those joining are doing so willingly in response to President Tinubu’s achievements.
Mixed Reactions Across the States
- In Akwa Ibom, three commissioners resigned instead of defecting with Governor Eno. Former Governor Udom Emmanuel, Eno’s political mentor, also refused to attend the defection ceremony and affirmed his loyalty to the PDP.
- In Edo, the Labour Party confirmed Senator Imasuen’s departure. The party expressed disappointment but said it respects his decision.
- In Taraba, the PDP dismissed rumors that Governor Agbu Kefas plans to defect. The PDP state chairman emphasized the party’s longstanding dominance in the state and praised the governor’s performance.
- In Zamfara, Governor Dauda Lawal’s spokesperson denied claims he is planning to join the APC. He assured PDP supporters that Lawal remains committed to the party.
- In Plateau, the APC chairman welcomed any interest Governor Caleb Mutfwang may have in joining the party, though he stated no formal discussions had occurred. The PDP in the state maintained the governor’s loyalty.
National Outlook
With these developments, the APC now controls 23 states, reducing PDP’s hold to 10. The Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) each control one state.
Political analysts believe these defections are part of a broader strategy by the APC to strengthen its dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
