The South-South region, long a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is experiencing a political earthquake. Several governors have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), sparking intense debate among their political mentors, allies, and opponents. What was once a predictable PDP landscape is now a hotbed of realignment, ambition, and shifting loyalties.
In Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno’s decision to join the APC under Senate President Godswill Akpabio has caused ripples. Eno, who owed his governorship to former governor Udom Emmanuel, now aligns his loyalty with Akpabio, leaving Emmanuel on the sidelines. Defending his move, Eno likened himself to a driver choosing a clear, fast lane for Akwa Ibom — a bold metaphor for political autonomy and ambition.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel has taken a measured stance, opting not to publicly criticize Eno. Through his aides, he emphasized allowing the governor to operate independently while focusing on strengthening the PDP ahead of the national convention in Ibadan. Other PDP leaders, including Ini Ememobong and former governors Emmanuel Enoidem and Lady Ime Essien Udom, have been tasked with reinvigorating the party in Akwa Ibom.
In Cross River, former Governor Ben Ayade’s 2020 defection to the APC continues to influence politics. His departure, fueled by disagreements with predecessor Liyel Imoke over party control, paved the way for APC dominance in the state. The fallout included internal PDP disputes and a reshuffling of leadership roles, highlighting how personal rivalries can shape regional politics. Imoke, now an ADC leader, aims to challenge APC control in the 2027 elections.
Delta State has seen a smoother transition. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s move to the APC, aided by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, occurred without major controversy. Even political heavyweight Chief James Ibori, though quietly aligned with APC, has not publicly opposed the shift, signaling a level of acceptance in the Delta political landscape.
Across the region, these defections reflect a broader trend: political loyalty is increasingly flexible, ambition is driving decisions, and the PDP’s historic dominance in the South-South is under real threat. The 2027 elections will likely test these realignments, revealing which governors and political godfathers can maintain influence in a rapidly changing environment.
