By Mary Onyia
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, governors seeking for re-election, especially those from troubled opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, which has split into two factions, are seeking refuge elsewhere to secure their political future.
Over the past 24hours, both governors Simnilaye Fubara of Rivers State and governor Ademola Adeleke have officially joined the All Progressive Congress, APC, and the Accord Party respectively. days after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party.
Both governors made the announcement on Tuesday in their different states.
While governor Fubara announced his decision during a Stakeholders meeting at the Rivers State Government House on Tuesday, governor Adeleke chose to make his announcement on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in the presence of national and state leaders of the Accord Party.
Both governors defection from the PDP, didn’t come as a surprise to most political pundits given the lingering crisis in the PDP.
Governor Fubara’s decision came nearly three moths after he returned to office following the expiration of the six months state of emergency which President Bola Tinubu imposed on the state.
While governor Adeleke admitted that he joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely on November 6, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. Adeleke revealed that making the decision was not easy for him, adding that it came after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders
“Stakeholders and residents of Osun state are aware of why we are taking this important decision.
“We intend to pursue a second term in office on the platform of the Accord Party to complete ongoing delivery of good governance and democratic dividends, which have been applauded at home and abroad.
“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens’ and workers’ welfare,” he said
Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision, analysts believe is seen as a step towards protecting his seat, given the governor’s running crisis with the state legislative arm over issues such as the governor’s alleged neglect of the education sector and his delay in submitting list of commissioners.
He says his decision to defect is in the interest of Rivers people.
The Governor added that he has gotten the approval of President Bola Tinubu.
“We can’t support President (Tinubu) if we don’t fully identify with him, not just backyard support.
“Our decision this evening is that we are moving to the APC,” Fubara said as he announced his defection from the PDP to the APC,” he told the stakeholders.
The Governor’s defection has been much anticipated following his several meetings with the President, latest of which is the one he held with the President on Monday, just a day before the declaration, and the recent defection of 17 Rivers State House of Assembly members, preceding his announcement.