The political landscape in Nigeria shifted dramatically over the weekend as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suffered major setbacks in its traditional stronghold of Delta State and parts of Kano State, with high-profile defections bolstering the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In Delta, long regarded as a PDP bastion, several influential politicians — including sitting legislators and grassroots mobilizers — officially crossed over to the APC.
The defectors cited deep dissatisfaction with the PDP’s leadership at both state and national levels, pointing to persistent internal wrangling, imposition of candidates, and unresolved power-sharing disputes.
Sani Abdullahi, a Kano-based political analyst, emphasized, “For a region vital to national elections because of its voter population and oil revenue, these defections could affect future calculations heavily. It’s not just about losing members — it’s about losing networks and loyalty structures built over decades.”
In Kano State, another political tremor rattled the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) as AbdulRahman Kawu Sumaila, a former senior aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and a major political figure in Kano South, officially dumped the NNPP for the APC.
His departure was described by observers as a strategic move, carefully timed with the evolving political map and the realities of the upcoming 2027 elections.
Addressing concerns that ex-NNPP members might be marginalized within the APC, Abbas Adam Abbas, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, dismissed such fears.
“Look at the magnitude of developmental projects in his area and how he is loved by his constituents. The APC would definitely not sideline him in the coming elections,” Abbas said.
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The APC national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, who personally received Sumaila into the party fold, hailed the defection as further proof of APC’s growing acceptance nationwide.
Describing Sumaila as a “grassroots general,” Ganduje, however, cautioned that political loyalty must be rewarded to avoid planting future seeds of discontent.
Analysts see Ganduje’s warning as a reflection of the fragile alliances underpinning Nigeria’s current political landscape.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a prominent PDP figure and likely 2027 presidential contender, publicly acknowledged the internal grievances fueling the defections. He urged party faithful to remain united, promising reforms aimed at “healing divisions and restoring the confidence of Nigerians.”
Audu John, a PDP stalwart from Benue State, criticized Atiku’s statement as evidence of the party’s deepening crisis.
“His call for patience and restructuring suggests the party is aware of looming dangers but is struggling to present a coherent, convincing roadmap to its foot soldiers,” John said. “With Atiku almost certain to contest in 2027, every defection now weakens his prospective presidential base.”
Acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, struck a cautious tone, condemning the defections as betrayals but stopping short of attacking the defectors.
Instead, he blamed “external manipulations” for the losses and hinted at ongoing behind-the-scenes reconciliation efforts, especially in Delta and Kano
Yet, observers warn that the PDP’s soft approach could embolden further defections if tangible reforms are not quickly implemented.
Ibrahim Hassan, a writer and political analyst, noted, “The past week’s political maneuvers are more than isolated incidents — they are early tremors signaling deeper realignments ahead of 2027.”
He added, “In the South-South, APC’s gains in Delta could signal a broader push to erode PDP’s dominance in the oil-rich region, traditionally a kingmaker in presidential elections. Meanwhile, in the North-West, Kano remains a political prize, and Sumaila’s move suggests APC’s strategy to consolidate early in the region.”
“For the PDP, the defections are a warning bell. Without urgent internal reforms and power rebalancing, the party risks entering the 2027 race weakened from within. For the APC, the gains are encouraging but come with the heavy task of managing the diverse ambitions of its new entrants.”
As Nigeria’s political climate heats up, experts agree that the race toward 2027 has unofficially begun.
Every handshake, defection, and alliance is now seen as part of a larger chessboard where only the most organized and united parties will weather the coming storm.