It is two years counting now that President Bola assumed office, and Nigeria’s political scene is undergoing a dramatic transformation, marked by a wave of defections from opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Since taking power in 2015, the APC has cemented its dominance, exploiting internal divisions, leadership disputes, and allegations of mismanagement within the PDP, which ruled Nigeria from 1999 to 2015.

Known for its economic liberalism and social welfare initiatives like the National Health Insurance Scheme under President Olusegun Obasanjo, the PDP has struggled to regain its footing since its 2015 loss to the APC, a coalition formed in 2013 from major opposition groups like the Action Congress of Nigeria and the Congress for Progressive Change.

The defections, accelerating in 2025, highlight the transactional nature of Nigerian politics, where parties often serve as platforms for “personal ambition rather than ideological commitment.”

With the APC’s control of federal resources and Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” driving its appeal, this trend is reshaping the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, raising concerns about the sustainability of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

Let’s spotlight five key politicians who switched to the APC in 2025, reflecting a major political shift.

Sheriff Oborevwori: Delta State Governor

On April 23, 2025, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori stunned the nation by leading the entire PDP structure in Delta State to defect to the APC.

Elected in 2023 under the PDP, Oborevwori’s move was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Asaba.

Delta, a PDP stronghold since 1999, represents a significant loss for the opposition.

Oborevwori, a grassroots politician and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly (2017–2023), cited the need to align with President Tinubu’s development agenda and resolve internal PDP crises as reasons for his defection.

His move included commissioners, local government chairmen, and other key PDP figures, signaling a near-total collapse of the PDP’s influence in the state.

Ifeanyi Okowa: Former Governor and PDP vice-presidential candidate in 2023

Joining Oborevwori on April 23, 2025, was his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, the former Delta State Governor (2015–2023) and PDP vice-presidential candidate in 2023 alongside Atiku Abubakar.

Okowa’s defection sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political circles, given his prominence as a PDP stalwart and his role in national politics. A medical doctor turned politician, Okowa had been a key figure in the PDP’s South-South strategy.

His decision to join the APC, reportedly influenced by the party’s growing influence in Delta and Tinubu’s leadership, further weakened the PDP’s regional base. Okowa’s move is seen as a strategic alignment to secure federal support for Delta’s development projects.

Namadi Sambo: Former Vice President

On Wednesday June 18 2025, former Vice President Namadi Sambo, who served under President Goodluck Jonathan from 2010 to 2015, officially defected from the PDP to the APC.

A former Kaduna State Governor (2007–2010), Sambo’s defection was confirmed after he was pictured with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, a close ally of President Tinubu.

Sambo, an architect by training, had been a PDP loyalist, making his move a significant coup for the APC in the North-West.

Sources suggest his defection was motivated by a desire to support Tinubu’s policies and strengthen his political relevance in Kaduna ahead of 2027.

Ned Nwoko: Delta North Senator

In January 2025, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, abandoned the PDP for the APC, citing the opposition party’s persistent internal crises.

A long-time PDP member and prominent businessman, Nwoko’s defection was a blow to the PDP’s legislative presence. Known for his advocacy for Anioma State creation and diaspora voting rights, Nwoko argued that the APC offered a better platform to achieve his legislative goals.

His move, announced early in the year, set the tone for the wave of defections that followed, particularly in Delta State.

Adamu Aliero: Kebbi Senator and Former Governor

Former Kebbi State Governor (2007–2011) and Senator representing Kebbi Central, Adamu Aliero, defected to the APC in 2025 alongside two other Kebbi senators, Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi and Garba Maidoki.

The trio announced their defection after meeting President Tinubu on May 9, 2025, at the Presidential Villa. Aliero, a seasoned politician and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (1999–2003), cited the PDP’s internal crisis and Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” as reasons for their move.

Their defection, announced in the presence of APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, strengthened the APC’s grip on Kebbi State.

Implications Of The Defections

The defections of these high-profile PDP figures—Oborevwori, Okowa, Sambo, Nwoko, and Aliero—represent a significant shift in Nigeria’s political dynamics.

The APC’s growing dominance, fueled by these moves, has sparked concerns about the emergence of a one-party state.

APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje defended the defections, stating, “If other parties see the positive governance of our party and decide to join, there is nothing wrong with that,” during a meeting at the Presidential Villa.

However, opposition leaders like Hon. Kingsley Chinda, PDP’s Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, have warned that these defections threaten Nigeria’s democratic foundations. Chinda called for legislative reforms to curb opportunistic defections, such as mandating the loss of elective seats for defectors unless justified by genuine party crises. He argued that the lack of ideological clarity in Nigerian parties fuels this trend, eroding public trust in the democratic process.

Analysts note that the PDP’s internal divisions, exacerbated by leadership disputes and the fallout from the 2023 elections, have made it vulnerable to defections. The APC’s control of federal resources and Tinubu’s strategic outreach to opposition figures have further incentivized politicians to switch sides. With Delta, Kebbi, and Kaduna witnessing significant defections, the PDP faces an uphill battle to remain a viable opposition force by 2027.

As Nigeria approaches the next election cycle, the APC’s strengthened position could reshape the contest, but it also raises questions about the future of multi-party democracy. The PDP, now significantly weakened, must address its internal crises and redefine its vision to counter the APC’s growing influence. For now, the defections of these five top politicians underscore the fluidity of Nigerian politics, where loyalty often bends to the winds of power.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, to console the people following the horrific massacre in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, which claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands.

The visit, marked by a town hall meeting at the Government House in Makurdi and a hospital visit to survivors, underscored the President’s commitment to addressing the escalating violence in the North-Central state.

During his engagements with stakeholders, including traditional rulers, former governors, and security chiefs, Tinubu outlined a multi-pronged approach to restore peace, pursue justice, and foster economic opportunities in Benue. His speech resonated with calls for unity, accountability, and transformative action.

Key Highlights of President Tinubu’s Speech

Demand for Justice and Security Accountability

President Tinubu expressed deep frustration over the absence of arrests following the Yelwata massacre, directly challenging Nigeria’s security apparatus to act decisively.

He specifically addressed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, stating, “How come no one has been arrested for committing this heinous crime in Yelwata? Inspector General of Police, where are the arrests? The criminals must be arrested immediately to deter others.”

He further instructed the Directors-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to overhaul their intelligence-gathering mechanisms,

“DG NIA and DG SSS, retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again. We need to keep our ears to the ground and get those criminals out.”

Tinubu emphasized that failure to apprehend the perpetrators, suspected to be herder-terrorists, undermines public trust and perpetuates violence.

Establishment of a Benue Peace Committee

To address the root causes of the recurring violence, Tinubu proposed the creation of a Benue Elders’ Peace Committee, comprising former governors, traditional rulers like the Tor Tiv and Och’Idoma, federal officials, and non-indigenous representatives, including the former governor of Nasarawa State.

He envisioned this committee as a platform for dialogue and reconciliation,
and urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to lead the initiative

“Let us please find a way to form a committee of elders here to really find a permanent outcome to this. The committee will meet in Abuja, and I’m ready to invest in that peace.”

“Whatever we need to do, I want us to create this leadership committee now, and then we will meet in Abuja to fashion out the nucleus of a lasting peace.”

Tinubu stressed that the committee would report directly to the presidency, ensuring federal oversight and support for its recommendations.

Ranching to Address Herder-Farmer Tensions

Recognizing land disputes as a primary driver of the herder-farmer clashes, Tinubu directed Governor Alia to allocate land for a modern ranching program to reduce tensions. He instructed the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to collaborate with the state.

“Governor, give me land here to establish a ranch. I will share the profits after you retire. We have to confront this if it is about land grabbing.”

He elaborated that ranching would modernize livestock management, stating, “We must learn how to share and accommodate. We have enough land to feed, raise our children, and cultivate happiness and prosperity. Livestock reform is essential to restoring peace and reducing friction between communities.”

This initiative, he argued, would transform the crisis into an economic opportunity for Benue.

Call for Blood Donations and Support for Victims

After visiting victims at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, Tinubu called for voluntary blood donations to aid survivors. He urged Governor Alia to announce a statewide broadcast encouraging citizens to donate.

“Benue people deserve peace. Please announce in a statewide broadcast for people to donate blood to the survivors I visited at the Teaching Hospital.”

He also promised federal intervention to rebuild Yelwata, stating, “I aborted my visit to Yelwata because of the rains and bad roads, but I have seen the carnage on camera. We will do something about the redevelopment and recreation of that environment.”

Unity as a Foundation for Peace and Development

Tinubu passionately called for unity among Benue’s diverse ethnic groups, rejecting divisive narratives.

He declared, “As Nigerians, we are members of the same house, but sleeping in different rooms. Whether you are a Tiv, Idoma, or Yoruba, let’s turn this country into a nation of prosperity, and unity, and fight our enemies together; not fight each other.”

He emphasized that peace is critical for development, stating, “I wanted to come here to commission projects, to reassure you of hope and prosperity, not to see gloomy faces. Peace is vital to development.”

He further noted, “The value of human life is greater than that of a cow. We were elected to govern, not to bury people,” urging citizens to support Governor Alia in fostering coexistence.

Acknowledgment of Genocidal Nature of Attacks

Aligning with the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, who described the violence as a “calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign by herder-terrorists and bandits,” Tinubu rejected the oversimplified narrative of herder-farmer clashes.

He acknowledged the gravity of the crisis, “This is a national tragedy that demands more than sympathy—it demands swift action, honesty, and accountability.”

His commitment to addressing land-grabbing through ranching and the peace committee directly responded to the monarch’s call for a correct diagnosis and solution.

Advice to Governor Alia

Tinubu offered personal advice to Governor Alia, urging resilience in the face of criticism and political opposition.

“Be ready for insults. That is the yoke of leadership. Get your lantern and seek out those leaders to join you to find solutions.”

He encouraged Alia to collaborate with regional leaders, including the governor of Nasarawa State.

“The governor of Nasarawa is here, and the governor of Benue is here. Let’s create that synergy for peace, development, and prosperity.” Tinubu warned against political derailment, saying, “Your political enemies don’t want you to succeed, but we must not allow them to derail us from doing the right thing.”

Outlook

President Tinubu’s speech marks a proactive federal response, blending immediate action (arrests, blood donations) with long-term solutions (peace committee, ranching). However, implementation challenges, including funding, political will, and coordination with security agencies, could hinder progress.

With over 2 million IDPs in Benue, sustained efforts are critical. The President’s focus on unity and economic transformation offers hope, but success depends on tangible outcomes in justice and peacebuilding.