The political landscape in Nigeria has been marked by dynamic shifts and strategic realignments, with party defections playing a significant role in shaping governance and alliances.
Among these, the movement of governors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) stands out as a recurring trend that has redefined political affiliations and power structures.
This trend has seen prominent figures like Sheriff Oborevwori, Ben Ayade, Aminu Tambuwal, Aliyu Wamakko, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and Bello Matawalle switch allegiances, each under unique circumstances and motivations. Their decisions often reflect broader strategies to align state interests with federal priorities, ensure access to developmental resources, and foster political stability. Their decisions have sparked debates about the implications for democracy, governance, and regional development.
Here are 5 governors who defected from PDP to APC
Sheriff Oborevwori – Delta State
Sheriff Oborevwori, the current governor of Delta State, made headlines on April 23, 2025, when he defected from the PDP to the APC. Delta State, known for its oil wealth and strategic importance, has been a PDP stronghold since 1999. Oborevwori’s move, accompanied by his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, signals a major political shift. Okowa, who was the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, emphasised the need for Delta State to align with the federal government to unlock development opportunities. This defection is seen as a turning point in the state’s political trajectory.
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Ben Ayade – Cross River State
In May 2021, Ben Ayade, then governor of Cross River State, left the PDP for the APC. Ayade’s decision was driven by his vision to align with the federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari, aiming to attract sustainable development and infrastructure projects to Cross River. His defection highlighted the importance of federal-state collaboration in achieving governance goals. Ayade’s move also underscored the growing influence of the APC in traditionally PDP-dominated regions.
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Aliyu Wamakko- Sokoto State
Aliyu Wamakko, also a former governor of Sokoto State, was among the early defectors who left the PDP for the APC in 2014. His defection played a crucial role in strengthening the APC’s position ahead of the 2015 general elections, which saw the party rise to power. Wamakko’s influence was instrumental in reshaping the political structure in Sokoto and beyond, contributing to the APC’s historic victory.
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Abdulfatah Ahmed – Kwara State
Abdulfatah Ahmed, the former governor of Kwara State, defected from the PDP to the APC in 2014, alongside his predecessor, Senator Bukola Saraki. This move was part of a larger political realignment in Kwara, often referred to as the “political tsunami.” Ahmed’s defection was driven by the need to align with the federal government and ensure Kwara’s inclusion in national development plans. However, Ahmed later returned to the PDP in 2018, showcasing the evolving nature of political affiliations and the strategic considerations of Nigerian leaders.
Bello Matawalle – Zamfara State
In June 2021, the former governor of Zamfara State defected from the People’s democratic party, PDP, to join the All Progressives Congress, APC. Governor Matawalle moved to the APC with all members of the State Assembly and National Assembly members except a representative from Anka/ Talata- Mafara Federal constituency who remains in PDP, followed by the deputy Governor of the State, Mahdi Aliyu Gusau, who did not decamp to the APC
