2027 Election: 4 Likely Political Defections That Could Shake Nigeria
- Nigerian politicians are increasingly defecting ahead of the 2027 elections, reshaping the political landscape
- Ahmadu Fintiri maintained his loyalty to the PDP, but may explore options in the ADC for future political manoeuvres
- Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Aminu Tambuwal's potential party shifts could influence Nigeria's electoral dynamics
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, public affairs, and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
FCT, Abuja - Defections in Nigerian politics have become a recurring phenomenon, with elected officials frequently switching party allegiances.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, several notable politicians have recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Source: Facebook
These include the PDP’s 2023 vice presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, former Senate presidents Anyim Pius Anyim and Ken Nnamani, as well as Governors Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State), Peter Mbah (Enugu State), Douye Diri (Bayelsa State), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba State).
2027 election: 4 likely political defections
In this report, Legit.ng has highlighted the political heavyweights who may defect and significantly shake Nigeria’s political landscape.
1. Fintiri may join the ADC
Ahmadu Fintiri, the Governor of Adamawa State, remains a member of the PDP, although he has been linked to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He represents the new generation of pragmatic northern leaders who blend traditional politics with modern governance. His tenacity during the 2023 elections, when he fought off a fierce APC challenge led by Senator Aishatu 'Binani' Dahiru, earned him national acclaim.
Unlike others who left the PDP under pressure, Fintiri doubled down, rebuilding his local alliances and reaffirming the PDP brand as the state’s dominant political force. His political staying power is rooted in strong youth mobilisation, inclusive appointments, and a modest but consistent record of development.
Political observers said Fintiri’s decision to stay in PDP is guided by loyalty and the conviction that a functioning democracy needs balance. He believes opposition parties play a crucial role in ensuring accountability.
"It’s easy to join the winning side, but leadership is about standing firm when it matters," he reportedly told associates.
Fintiri’s brand of quiet strength may position him as a future power broker in the opposition. With Bala Mohammed as the northern elder and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State holding the South for the PDP, Fintiri completes the trinity of the party’s last credible governors.
Nonetheless, the opposition ADC remains a viable option for Fintiri in case he is fed up with the PDP.
2. Rabiu Kwankwaso could join the APC
Rabiu Kwankwaso, former presidential candidate and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), recently lost his mentee, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the ruling APC.
Although he is presently displeased with Governor Yusuf's realignment, he recently signalled his openness to join the ruling party, stating that such a move would depend on clear and firm assurances.
On Tuesday, January 27, Abdullahi Ganduje, former national chairman of the APC, said he is not ruling out the possibility of reconciliation with Kwankwaso. Earlier, Ganduje had asserted that the NNPP is dead, adding that Kwankwaso will return to the APC.
Kwankwaso joining the APC will be undoubtedly huge for the party, considering he is 'a big fish'.
Source: Facebook
3. Aminu Tambuwal to join ADC
Aminu Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto State, is a key member of the ADC coalition, although he has yet to officially join the party.
Technically, the senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District in the National Assembly is still a member of the PDP.
Should the 60-year-old team up with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and others, he will massively strengthen the opposition.
4. Alex Otti may align with APC
A chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), Alex Otti, is an open supporter of President Bola Tinubu.
Although he has repeatedly stated he would not leave the LP, his admiration for the president and the appeal of federal alignment could eventually persuade him to reconsider.
Read more on the 2027 election:
- 2027: “Why Tinubu removed subsidy without thinking about next election
- 2027 election: "The practical way to oust Tinubu", Atiku, others told
- 2027 election: “Why north will vote Tinubu,” Nigerian governor speaks
2027 election: Segun Showunmi speaks on cabal
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that ahead of the 2027 elections, a former spokesperson to Atiku claimed that there is no 'cabal' in Tinubu’s administration.
Segun Showunmi said the president does everything himself, adding that Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila is not even allowed to do his job effectively.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
