High-Stakes Political Bargaining as APC Eyes 2027 Re-election: Opposition Governors in the Spotlight

With Nigeria’s 2027 presidential elections on the horizon, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is engaging in intense political negotiations, offering opposition governors lucrative incentives to switch allegiances. This development is reshaping the country’s political landscape.

Former governors are being promised ministerial portfolios, while sitting governors receive guarantees of re-election tickets, the authority to select successors, and the ability to nominate National Assembly members. These offers reflect APC’s strategy to fracture opposition unity and consolidate power.

The opposition is alarmed. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar warned that endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign is tantamount to embracing failure. “Declaring support for Tinubu…signify a desire to continue the same policies that have made life unbearable for Nigerians,” Atiku said through his media adviser.

PDP and NNPP officials accuse the APC of using state machinery to pressure defections. PDP’s Debo Ologunagba said, “Tinubu will face the people’s judgment in 2027,” while NNPP’s Ladipo Johnson expressed concern over defections motivated by “stomach infrastructure” rather than ideology.

The opposition’s internal struggles have accelerated defections. Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former governor Ifeanyi Okowa defected to the APC in April. Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno’s impending defection is linked to fears of losing re-election amid federal influence and an alleged EFCC probe of his predecessor.

Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance has publicly endorsed Tinubu, signaling cracks in opposition solidarity. Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri is also being wooed by the APC, evidenced by a secret four-hour meeting with NSA Nuhu Ribadu focused on his defection.

The National Assembly has seen a surge in defections, further strengthening APC’s grip. Since July 2023, 38 lawmakers have switched sides, including prominent senators and representatives from opposition parties.

Atiku condemned the APC’s governance, citing soaring inflation, poverty, and insecurity. He called for a united opposition coalition to reclaim Nigeria’s future. PDP and NNPP leaders echoed calls for resistance against APC’s growing dominance.

APC leaders dismissed coercion claims, highlighting the party’s organizational strength and Tinubu’s leadership as reasons for defections. They view the southern states and swing states like Kano as critical battlegrounds for the 2027 elections.

This political chess game underscores the high stakes and intense maneuvering shaping Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.