As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the nation’s politics has been dramatically reshaped by a series of defections. Governors, former ministers, and prominent political figures have left their former parties in search of new platforms, stronger alliances, and opportunities to advance their political ambitions. These moves have not only shifted the balance of power across regions but also signaled strategic realignments ahead of the next elections.
Below is a look at 10 Nigerian politicians who have recently decamped, along with details of their moves and the potential impact of their decisions.
Rotimi Amaechi (APC → ADC Coalition): Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Amaechi left the APC in 2025 and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) opposition coalition. He declared his intention to contest for the 2027 presidency. His move is seen as a strategic bid to leverage his national profile and Rivers State political network while positioning himself as a credible alternative to the ruling party.
Atiku Abubakar (PDP → ADC): Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar officially left the PDP for the ADC in late 2025. Atiku cited internal party conflicts and leadership disputes as reasons for his departure. Known for his long-standing political influence, his defection added significant weight to the ADC, positioning it as a viable opposition platform capable of challenging the APC nationally.
Peter Obi (LP → ADC): Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi defected to the ADC on the 31st of December 2025. Obi’s move is a broader strategy against the ruling APC. With his popularity among young voters and his record as a reform-focused politician, Obi strengthened the ADC’s credibility as a national platform and signaled a consolidation of progressive opposition figures.
Peter Mbah (PDP → APC): Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, left the PDP for the APC in October 2025. His defection marked a major political shift in the South-East, traditionally a PDP stronghold. Mbah argued that joining the ruling party would enhance federal collaboration and improve the delivery of development projects in Enugu State, boosting APC’s influence in the region.
Douye Diri (PDP → APC): Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, formally left the PDP and joined the APC in November 2025. He cited both internal PDP crises and the need to align with the federal government for development purposes. Diri’s defection strengthened APC’s position in the South-South and his network of supporters further enhanced the party’s grassroots strength.
Umo Eno (PDP → APC): Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, defected from the PDP to the APC in mid-2025. Eno emphasized the benefits of federal collaboration and the need to ensure infrastructural and social development in his state. His move added to the wave of southern governors leaving the PDP and further weakened the party’s influence in the South-South.
Sheriff Oborevwori (PDP → APC): Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, defected from the PDP to the APC in 2025. His decision followed internal party disagreements and factional disputes. By joining the APC, he increased the ruling party’s presence in Delta State and solidified his political standing as a key player in the South-South ahead of 2027.
Ademola Adeleke (PDP → Accord Party): Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, left the PDP for the Accord Party in late 2025. His primary motivation was to secure a stable platform for his re-election bid.
Caleb Mutfwang (PDP → APC): Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, defected from the PDP to the APC in December 2025. His defection enhanced APC’s influence in the North-Central geopolitical zone and allowed better access to federal resources, which he argued would improve governance outcomes in Plateau State.
Siminalayi Fubara (PDP → APC): Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, joined the APC in late 2025 after leaving the PDP. His defection consolidated the ruling party’s presence in the South-South region and reinforced APC’s strategy of strengthening governorship and legislative positions.
