The camp of a serving governor elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently facing a major dilemma following reports that strict conditions have been imposed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) as part of negotiations for his planned defection to the ruling party.
The governor, who is said to be finalising plans to leave the opposition party, recently opened discussions with the leadership of the APC in Abuja.
However, findings indicate that while some leaders of the ruling party at the national level are open to negotiations, influential APC stakeholders within the governor’s state believe the party can secure victory in the next election without relying on the incumbent governor.
Sources disclosed that, unlike the common practice where defecting governors assume leadership of the party structure in their states, the governor has been informed that he would not automatically become the leader of the APC upon joining the party.
He was also reportedly told that he would not have the authority to single-handedly determine his successor. Instead, party leaders insisted that any decision on the next governorship candidate must involve consultations with existing APC stakeholders in the state.
In addition, the governor’s supporters were allegedly informed that they would not enjoy preferential treatment in the party’s primaries for elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections, which are expected to begin in April.
The development has reportedly unsettled members of the governor’s political camp. According to insiders, many of his loyalists are concerned that the move could leave them politically stranded if they defect with him.
A source familiar with the situation said the governor’s supporters were particularly worried about reports that he might be offered only the party’s senatorial ticket as compensation, leaving the rest of his political structure without opportunities in the 2027 elections.
“If the governor accepts the arrangement, it could mean that he alone would contest in 2027 while many of his supporters would have to step aside for long-standing APC members in the state,” the source said.
The uncertainty has reportedly sparked internal disagreements within the governor’s camp, with some members urging him to abandon the defection plan and remain in the PDP ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The state involved is known for its history of switching party control after political transitions, and several APC governorship aspirants are already positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite the resistance from local APC leaders, sources say the governor is still lobbying the party’s national leadership in Abuja, insisting that he brings significant political value and electoral strength to the ruling party.
Should the defection eventually materialise, it could further weaken the PDP’s hold on state governments. The party had controlled 13 states after the 2023 general elections, but its numbers have since declined following electoral losses and political realignments across the country.
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