STRONG indications have emerged that more governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP may move to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 general election.
This newspaper gathered that moves by the PDP governors to dump their party may not be in connection with lingering and unresolved crisis in the party, especially with the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party and also in some states and zonal levels.
According to a source, the prelude to the defection is the fact that while some governors have begun visits to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, others are inviting him for the commissioning of projects in their respective states where discussions are said to be ongoing.
Also, the chairman of progressives governors and Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, is alleged to be involved in the wooing of the governors as part of moves to enlarge the coast of his party.
Recall that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State who recently asked Deltans to support President Bola Tinubu, had said one of the major communication policy thrusts of his administration was to consistently support the administration of President Tinubu as he continues to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda for the betterment of Nigerians, including Deltans.
Oborevwori, who was represented by his Commissioner for Information, Ifeanyi Osuoza, stated this at the opening ceremony of the 5th Edition of Delta State Communication Workshop, with the theme, “Advancing Delta: Strategies for Public Communication and Effective Media Management,’’ in Asaba.
Also recall that President Tinubu had last weekend, praised Enugu State governor, Dr Peter Mbah, for his leadership style and commitment to development, describing him as a focussed and result-oriented leader.
Tinubu, who spoke during his first official visit to Enugu State, where he commissioned several projects, said Mbah was doing a fantastic job and expressed happiness that Enugu was making great strides.
He said: “I salute Peter Mbah for his commitment to development. You’ve built a solid team and I’ve reviewed a number of things with you in Abuja.
“You’ve impressed me with the technological advancements in the state and the support you’ve garnered from the private sector. I know your background.’’
Similarly, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State was among the first callers to visit President Tinubu at his Bourdilon, Lagos house in the spirit of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Meanwhile, an elders group, under the aegis of concerned leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, has queried Oborevwori to come clean of rumours of alleged plans to dump his party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC, to secure his governorship seat ahead of 2027 general elections.
In an open letter to the governor, a copy of which was made available to this newspaper on Sunday, the group said it had become imperative for Oborevwori to intimate them of his position, as that would reassure them about their future in the PDP.
The letter, titled “Open letter to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to confirm the rumours of his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC,” was signed by Theophilus Ekiyor; Ochuko Oghenekome and Ezekiel Chukwudi respectively.
The letter read: “We, the concerned Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, are compelled to address you in this open letter regarding the very disturbing rumours of your alleged plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC, to secure your governorship seat ahead of 2027 general elections.
“The rumour mills are agog with stories of your intention of cross-carpeting to the ruling party at the centre, the All Progressives Congress, APC.
“That you have been secretly romancing top aides of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Top presidential aide and allies of the President mentioned as your point men for your new venture include; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who are now working to facilitate a meeting between you and President Tinubu on this self-seeking agenda.
“Your ultimate goal, as pointed out by those close to you, is to obtain approval to join the APC. In this regard, we are deeply troubled by these flying and unconfirmed rumours.
“We, therefore, demand prompt clarification from you to put us in the picture. A delayed response could be considered as glaring evidence of your compromised position.”